What does an Orthodontic Assistant do?
Orthodontist assistants are specialized dental aides who work with patients receiving or wearing dental gear. They might take x-rays and photos of mouths, adjust braces and make teeth impressions which are used to design orthodontic hardware. You may also perform administrative duties, such as setting appointments, billing, taking payments and maintaining patient records.
How much does an Orthodontic Assistant make?
The median pay for orthodontic assistants was $36,940 in 2016.
75th Percentile $45,170
Median $36,940
25th Percentile $30,410
Do I need prior knowledge of dentistry?
In order to take full advantage of this course, we require that you have a current RDA.
Can I find an office that will train me rather than a program?
A 2012 salary survey by the Dental Assisting National Board found that certified dental assistants earn more than non-certified assistants and that many employers reimburse assistants for their certification training and exams.
What are the job prospects for an Ortho Assistant?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there should be 64,600 new openings for dental assistants by the year 2026. That amounts to 19.5 percent employment growth, which is much faster than the average for all professions. There are several reasons for the increased openings, including the fact that current generations take better care of their teeth than either their parents or their grandparents, and they regularly visit a dental office.
What is the interview process like?
You will be meeting with an Orthodontic Training Representative who will go over the extent of the course and any questions that you have about the program. No application fees or any documentation is needed for the appointment.
What are some of the specific things that are taught in the course?
Bonding of brackets, removal of braces, in-depth training of orthodontic procedures such as placement of appliances, identifying bite-classification, and assisting Orthodontist in procedures.