Description

Responsibilities:

· Maintain clinic and lab (back office) cleanliness and organization.

· Assist orthodontist with patient care and documentation as directed.

· Communicate progress and provide education to patients and parents.

· Follow infection control guidelines at all times.

· Conservative dress, grooming, hairstyle, and makeup are appropriate attire for this position.

Duties of the Job:

· Assist doctor with placement and removal of orthodontic appliances.

· Assist chairside with instrument set-up, removing and replacing ligature ties, contouring &/or placing orthodontic archwires, fitting bands, clean up of treatment area (chair, unit, and instruments).

· Provide emergency care of broken appliances on non-patient days.

· Document all treatment performed and instructions given in the medical record.

· Clean and stock treatment area daily.

· Take orthodontic records including photographs, impressions, scans, and radiographs; pour impressions.

· Provide education to patients and parents (regarding orthodontic appliances, oral hygiene, patient cooperation and progress) on a regular basis.

· Perform routine maintenance on equipment (dental chairs and units, plaster trap, x-ray developer, handpieces, etc.).

· Maintain appropriate records and documentation for OSHA compliance.

· Bend retainer wire &/or apply acrylic for retainers; fabricate orthodontic appliances (Essix retainers, bonded retainers, etc.).

· Perform end of day clinic activities.

· Special Duties: Assume responsibility for overseeing one or more area of clinical expertise: Infection Control Program, Equipment Maintenance, Ordering Supplies, Records/Models, New Employee Training, Education Activities, etc..

· Have a working knowledge of front office duties (patient scheduling, filing, etc.).

Requirements

· Educational Requirements: High school graduate or equivalent; some college or dental assisting certificate preferred. 

*Previous experience in dental or orthodontic office

· Enthusiastic, professional demeanor at all times

· Excellent manual dexterity (e.g., working with brackets, wires, and other materials in small area

· Work well with detail (e.g., maintain accurate records)

· Knowledge of orthodontic terminology and treatment procedures

· Ability to organize time and tasks to complete work on schedule

· Ability to work with co-workers and patients in a professional and warm manner