Job Information About Orthodontic Assistants
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry that deals with preventing or correcting irregularities in the teeth. Orthodontic assistants are dental assistants who aid the doctor with these procedures. These assistants carry out a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. In most cases, the orthodontic assistant works alongside the orthodontist to accomplish these duties.
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Function
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The orthodontic assistant sets up and cleans the office for the patient's visit. Sterilization of equipment is performed by this assistant. She escorts patients to and from the clinic. The assistant issues patient care instructions and demonstrations if necessary. The orthodontic assistant maintains accurate patient information in the clinical computer, including entering and updating chart information. The orthodontic assistant may be assigned to take impressions, X-rays and place bands for placing teeth braces, as well as monitor patient flow.
Education
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There's no formal education program for entry-level orthodontic assistants in the United States; most assistants learn their duties through on-the-job training. Junior and community colleges, however, do offer dental-assisting programs that enable individuals to acquire advanced skills. In general, dental-assisting programs take a year to complete. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2009, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) approved 281 dental-assisting programs. Coursework that the potential assistant would complete includes biology, chemistry, and laboratory and preclinical instruction in dental-assisting skills.
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Benefits
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Orthodontic assistants generally receive the basic comprehensive health and dental insurance package; assistants may also receive additional discounts in orthodontic care. Benefits also include flexible spending accounts, paid vacation, and sick and personal time. Some packages offer production bonuses and profit sharing (e.g., through a 401(k) plan).
Working Conditions
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Orthodontic assistants work in an orthodontist's office. Work areas are well lit and clean so that orthodontic assistants can properly complete their duties. Orthodontic assistants work in close proximity to the orthodontist, arranging instruments, materials and medications. They must wear gloves, masks and eyewear for protection; additional protective clothing may also be appropriate when dealing with patients with infectious diseases. These assistants must follow all safety procedures of the dental office for protection of themselves and their patients.
Skills
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An orthodontic assistant is the second in command to the orthodontist. The assistant must be able to work well with others, be reliable and have superior manual dexterity. Orthodontic assistants also must possess customer service skills, as they constantly deal with patients.
Salary and Occupational Outlook
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According to PayScale.com, orthodontic assistants earn anywhere from $12.73 to $17.97 an hour in the United States (as of June 2010). These wages vary by experience, location and whether the assistant has obtained a certification in this field. In general, the occupational outlook for all dental assistants will increase 36 percent by the year 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational growth is attributed to population growth and the need for preventive dental care for the younger generation.
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References
- Photo Credit Dentist at work in dental room image by Vladimir Melnik from Fotolia.com
