How to Become an Orthodontist Assistant

Dental assistants

Orthodontists are dental professionals who correct the alignment of their patients' teeth and jaws. Orthodontist assistants help orthodontists in a clinical setting, examining patients' dental appliances and cleaning their braces. They also provide information to patients regarding their procedures.

Instructions

1. Obtain your high school degree. This is required by most states in order to become an orthodontic assistant. Take classes that will assist you in your certification program, such as biology and health science.

2. Earn a dental assisting degree or certificate. There are a number of sites available to help you choose the best course for you, such as the site of the Dental Assisting National Board, or DANB. Choose a program that suits your budget and location.

3. Complete the Dental Assisting certification course. You will need to pass classes in Oral and Dental Anatomy, which covers tooth numbering, malocclusions, and tooth development. You will also take courses in archwire selection, radiation and x-ray safety, and orthodontic models.

4. Obtain certification from the Dental Assisting Board. Download a DANB Certified Dental Assistant Exam Candidate Guide from the website. Choose a location of a Pearson VUE Testing Center, which are the testing sites for the examination. A list of sites can be found at http://www.pearsonvue.com.

5. Look for a position as an orthodontist assistant. Most jobs websites, such as Careerbuilder and Monster.com, list jobs for dental assistants.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to obtain CPR certification, since this will help you maintain your credentials.

• Continue your education since you will need to re-certify depending upon your state's requirements.

References

• Trapezio Orthodontic Training Solutions

Resources

• Dental Assisting National Board