Orthodontics is a growing field that’s always in demand. Whether you want to work as an orthodontic assistant or are just looking for a new career path, this blog post is for you.
This article will explore everything you need to know about this growing industry, from the duties of an orthodontic assistant to the training and salary you can expect.
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make a decision about whether or not becoming an orthodontic assistant is right for you.
How To Become An Orthodontic Assistant
If you are interested in becoming an orthodontic assistant, there are a few things you will need to do in order to be successful.
First, you will need to have a degree in dental hygiene or orthodontics.
Second, you will need to have at least two years of experience working in a dental office. Finally, you will need to pass the Orthodontic Assistant Certification Examination.
The best way to obtain experience is by volunteering or taking internships with orthodontists. Once you have acquired enough experience, it is time to take the Orthodontic Assistant Certification Examination. If you pass this examination, you will be certified as an orthodontic assistant.
The Orthodontic Assistant Association (OA) provides certification for orthodontic assistants. The OA offers two levels of certification: registered (R) and advanced registered (A).
To receive R certification, you must successfully complete an accredited orthodontic assistant program and pass the OA Registration Examination.
To receive A certification, you must not only have R certification, but you must also pass the OA Advanced Registration Examination. The OA also offers a variety of continuing education opportunities, including online courses and workshops.
What Is An Orthodontic Assistant?
An orthodontic assistant is a dental assistant who specializes in Orthodontics. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of problems with teeth and their surrounding skeletal structure.
An orthodontic assistant assists with all aspects of orthodontic care, from treatment planning and scheduling to providing patient care during appointments.
Orthodontic assistants typically have a related degree in dental hygiene or dental assisting. Many Orthodontic assistants start their careers as dental assistants before graduating to become orthodontists’ assistants.
Those who are not interested in becoming orthodontists may work as orthodontic assistants for a period of time before finding another career path.
Orthodontic assistants must have good communication and organizational skills, as they will often be responsible for managing multiple tasks simultaneously. They must also have a keen eye for detail, as they will need to record all procedures and observations made during treatment.
Orthodontic assistants should be comfortable working with both adults and children, as many patients who require orthodontics are teenagers or young adults.
The Orthodontic Assistant Training Program
The orthodontic assistant training program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become an orthodontic assistant.
The program includes instruction in orthodontics, dental anatomy and physiology, oral health care, patient care and administration, and clinical practice.
These programs usually last around 12 weeks and cover topics such as orthodontics, dental assisting, anatomy, and patient care.
There are also shorter programs that offer less training, but may be more suitable for those who have previous experience working with patients or in the medical field.
The best way to find an orthodontic assistant training program is to ask your dentist or orthodontist if they know of any programs in your area.
Alternatively, you can search online for programs that fit your needs. Programs will often have information about how to apply, what the application process looks like, and what the tuition costs are.
Once you’ve found a program that suits your needs, it’s time to apply. You’ll need to submit an application with the necessary documents, such as a resume, letters of recommendation, and a copy of your driver’s license or state ID.
You may also be asked to take a qualifying exam. Once you’ve been accepted into the program, you’ll need to attend classes and complete clinical placements.
Once you’ve completed all of the requirements of the program, it’s time to get ready for your career as an orthodontic assistant! You’ll need to have excellent
The program consists of 24 hours of online training and 12 hours of live training. The online portion of the program is designed to teach you how to use the software programs that are used by orthodontists.
The live training portion of the program will teach you how to provide quality orthodontic care.
Orthodontic assistants typically work in OrthoClinics, providing routine patient care such as tooth extraction and treatment plans. They may also help with laboratory testing and X-rays, handle insurance claims, and manage patient files.
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Duties Of An Orthodontic Assistant
An Orthodontic Assistant is responsible for a variety of duties, including :
1. Preparing patients for their orthodontic appointments by ensuring they have all the necessary materials, such as fluoride toothpaste and floss
.2. Assistants help with the placement and removal of braces, as well as the adjustment of wires and brackets.
3. Keeping track of patient’s progress, recording findings in a treatment plan, and communicating with the orthodontist.4. Supervising other staff members during treatment sessions.
5. Liaising with insurance companies and collecting payments for services rendered.
An orthodontic assistant is a dental professional who assists with the care of patients with braces.
Salary Of An Orthodontic Assistant
Orthodontic assistants typically earn an annual salary of $40,000 to $60,000. However, this figure can vary depending on your experience and qualifications.
As experience and skills increase, the salary can go up significantly. Many orthodontic assistants also receive benefits, such as health insurance and paid vacation time.
Top Orthodontic Assistant Skills
Orthodontic assistant skills are critical in providing quality care for patients. Here are some key skills to help you deliver great orthodontic care:
1. Good communication and interpersonal skills: When working with patients, it is important to be able to communicate effectively and build relationships with them. This means being able to listen attentively and empathize with their concerns.
2. Knowledge of orthodontic treatments: As an orthodontic assistant, it is important to have a good understanding of the various orthodontic treatments available. This includes knowledge of the different types of braces, aligners, and other treatments that can be used in orthodontics.
3. Effective problem solving skills: When faced with a problem with a patient’s teeth, it is important to be able to solve it quickly and effectively. This means possessing the ability to think outside the box and come up with solutions that might not have been considered before.
4. Skilled at using dental equipment: As an orthodontic assistant, it is important to be skilled at using various dental equipment, including drills, saws, and other tools necessary for treating patients’ teeth.
5. Familiarity with orthodontic software: As an Orthodontic Assistant, it is important that you are familiar with various OrthoDent software programs that are used in the treatment process.
6. Organization skills: Orthodontic assistants need to be able to keep track of multiple tasks at once and stay on top of deadlines. They must also be able to work well under pressure and handle difficult situations with composure.
7. Patience: An orthodontic assistant must have a lot of patience when working with patients, as they may experience discomfort or pain during their treatment.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take To Be An Orthodontist?
The process of becoming a licensed orthodontist typically takes about 10 to 11 years. That’s four years in an accredited undergraduate school, four years in an accredited dental school and two to three years in an accredited orthodontics residency program.
What Qualifications Does An Orthodontist Need?
An orthodontist can usually complete a dental undergraduate residency of about five years, right after which they begin the advanced specialty training. It’s important to get an Orthodontist degree or certificate in order to practice as one.
What Is An Orthodontist Assistant Called?
Orthodontist assistants are dental aides who help dentists diagnose and treat patients. They take x-rays, adjust braces, and make teeth impressions.
Do Orthodontist Assistant Put Brackets?
An orthodontist assistant teaches people about dental health, straightens teeth and helps install the necessary devices for braces, retainers, brackets and jaw expanders
How Many Hours Does An Orthodontist Work?
Most orthodontists usually work between 35 and 40 hours per week over five days. Occasionally, you’ll have to see patients outside of work hours for special appointments or emergency procedures.
Is Orthodontist A Good Career?
It’s difficult to predict the future career prospects of any job or industry, but orthodontists can expect high demand for their medical, cosmetic and oral hygiene skills. Changes in dental technology have increased demand for professional orthodontists even more.
How Much Experience Do You Need To Become An Orthodontist?
It takes approximately five years to become a dentist and pass the required degree. After passing, we recommend working as a dentist and obtaining some experience in all of the different fields of dentistry. One option would be to apply for a place on an orthodontic training scheme to gain experience in this field.
What Should An Orthodontic Assistant Put On Resume?
For those aspiring to be an Orthodontist Assistant, here are some helpful resume sample duties that they should mention: preparing patients for procedures, helping them to feel comfortable, taking X-rays and photographs, creating molds of patient’s bite, sterilizing tools, scheduling appointments.
Is An Orthodontist A Stable Job?
Year after year, orthodontists consistently rate their job choice highly. In fact, U.S. News and Reports ranks Orthodontist as #3 in Best Healthcare Jobs, #4 in Best 100 Jobs, and #5 in Best Paying Jobs.
Is Dental Assistant And Orthodontic Assistant The Same?
As a dental assistant, you would help treat teeth and gums and prevent cavities or disease. An orthodontic assistant would help their orthodontist with certain medical procedures, like the alignment and positioning of teeth.
Conclusion
This article provides an overview of the different responsibilities that orthodontists typically assign to their assistants, as well as some tips on how to get started in this exciting career field.
If you’re interested in becoming an orthodontic assistant, make sure to read up on all the details here before applying.
