Orthodontic Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

As an Orthodontic Assistant, you’ll play a key role in transforming smiles and improving patients' confidence. You’ll work closely with the orthodontist to assist with procedures, ensure patient comfort, and create a welcoming environment. By preparing equipment, taking X-rays, and educating patients on their care, you’ll help guide them through their orthodontic journey. If you’re passionate about making a difference and providing exceptional care, this is the role for you.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

At Cooper Orthodontics, we are committed to providing exceptional orthodontic care, combining innovative techniques with personalized treatment to create confident, lifelong smiles. We’re looking for dedicated team members who are passionate about making a lasting difference in our patients' lives.

We also have a Houston, TX location and driving between the two locations is expected.

OBJECTIVES

• Preparing the Treatment Area: Setting up the orthodontic operatory by ensuring all instruments, materials, and equipment are sterile and ready before the patient arrives.
• Assisting During Procedures: Supporting the orthodontist during procedures such as placing and adjusting braces, making impressions, and handling dental tools while maintaining patient comfort.
• Taking X-rays: Performing radiographic imaging, including panoramic and cephalometric X-rays, and following safety protocols for radiation protection.
• Fitting and Adjusting Braces: Assisting in placing and adjusting orthodontic appliances, such as braces, retainers, and expanders, under the direction of the orthodontist.
• Patient Education: Educating patients and their families on proper oral hygiene techniques, care of braces or other appliances, and instructions for managing discomfort.
• Scheduling Appointments: Managing patient appointments, coordinating treatment timelines, and ensuring follow-up visits for adjustments or check-ups.
• Recording Patient Information: Updating patient records with detailed notes on treatment progress, appliance adjustments, and any issues or concerns.
• Handling iTero Scans & follow-up:: Taking digital scans and submitting lab work for creating retainers, alignrs, and other orthodontic devices, ensuring accuracy for proper fit.
• Managing Patient Comfort: Ensuring patients are comfortable during procedures by assisting with seat adjustments, offering reassurance, and responding to patient needs.
• Inventory Management: Keeping track of orthodontic supplies, including braces, wires, elastics, and retainers, and ensuring the office is stocked with necessary materials.
• Infection Control: Following strict sterilization protocols, cleaning instruments, and maintaining a hygienic treatment environment in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Administrative Support: Answering phones, helping with billing, processing insurance claims, and assisting with patient inquiries and scheduling so patients are not “hot potatoed” between team members

COMPETENCIES

• Empathy: Understanding and addressing patient concerns with compassion, making them feel at ease during treatments while respecting their privacy and confidentiality.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy when handling patient records, taking X-rays, and assisting with procedures, always adhering to HIPAA guidelines to protect patient information.
• Strong Communication: Clearly explaining procedures and post-treatment care instructions to patients, and effectively collaborating with the orthodontist and team.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Making patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their visit, always ensuring sensitive information is kept confidential in compliance with HIPAA.
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with the orthodontist, dental assistants, and other staff to provide seamless patient care, while ensuring that all discussions regarding patient care adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
• Adaptability: Adjusting to different patient needs and treatment changes while maintaining a positive, flexible attitude and always safeguarding patient information in accordance with HIPAA standards.
• Time Management: Managing multiple tasks efficiently, ensuring that procedures and patient appointments run on time, while safeguarding patient records and information in line with HIPAA rules.
• Problem-Solving: Addressing any issues or concerns that may arise during procedures or patient interactions, with prompt solutions, while ensuring that patient privacy is respected at all times.
• Calm Under Pressure: Maintaining composure during busy or challenging situations, ensuring that both patients and the team feel confident and supported, all while adhering to HIPAA confidentiality practices.
• Positive Attitude: Creating a welcoming environment through a friendly and approachable demeanor, helping to put patients at ease, and ensuring all patient information is handled with care and in line with HIPAA guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Required)
• Registered Dental Assistant Certificate (Preferred)
• Minimum 1 year Dental office experience (Preferred)
• Minimum 1 year of patient care or customer service experience (Preferred)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time while assisting in dental procedures and managing patient care.
• Regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds, including dental equipment and supplies.
• Manual dexterity to handle small instruments and tools with precision.
• Ability to bend, kneel, or crouch to assist with patient care and reach treatment areas.
• Ability to work in a clinical setting with exposure to dental materials, sterilization chemicals, and radiographic equipment.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Cooper Orthodontics recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates and partners.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities

Ability to Commute:

• Lake Jackson, TX 77566 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lake Jackson, TX 77566: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14 - $24