When working as an Orthodontic Assistant, you’ll be helping an orthodontist straighten teeth. In addition to cleaning and preparing the teeth, you’ll also be handling specialized instruments and wires. As an assistant, you’ll help your orthodontist tighten the bands and adjust the corrective coils to achieve the desired results. After the procedure is finished, you’ll be explaining the proper ways to care for the equipment and following your orthodontist’s instructions.

While the educational requirements for an Orthodontic Assistant are less than those of an orthodontist, you’ll still need a high school diploma or GED to qualify. Depending on your state, you may also need to get a CPR certificate, and you’ll need to pass a State Dental Board examination. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll work as an assistant in the dental laboratory and learn practical skills.

Before you can become an orthodontic assistant, you need to obtain a dental assistant license from your state. There’s no real career progression in this field, but if you’re interested in continuing your education, you can become a teacher and train new assistants in the field. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to get your dental assisting license to work as an assistant. The pay is well-compensated and the hours are flexible, so if you’re looking for a full-time job, you’ll probably need to take a course that gives you a dental assisting license.

Before you become an orthodontic assistant, you’ll need to complete an associate’s degree in dental assisting. During this time, you’ll study dental terminology, anatomy, patient care, radiology, and other related topics. You’ll also get familiar with the types of orthodontic treatment, the use of orthodontic devices, and diagnostic records. You’ll also be taught the importance of oral hygiene and dietary habits. It’s important to have a strong knowledge of the different types of dental procedures that can be performed on patients, as these treatments can help them feel more confident and comfortable about themselves.

As an orthodontic assistant, you’ll be working directly with orthodontists and their patients. You’ll be responsible for the overall health of a person’s mouth and teeth. You’ll be responsible for keeping patients’ mouths dry during the procedures and ensuring that they are comfortable with the appliance they have chosen. Your work as an assistant will make it easier for orthodontists to treat their patients.

As an orthodontic assistant, you’ll be assisting in the initial consultations and regular checkups of patients. Your responsibilities will include following directions from your orthodontist and preparing the teeth for braces. You’ll also help to remove braces once they’ve finished. You’ll need excellent hand-eye coordination, excellent organization skills, and patience to be a successful orthodontic assistant.