Clinical Orthodontic Assistant

Finesse Orthodontics; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Finesse Orthodontics in Cypress, CA seeks an experienced orthodontic clinical assistant to support our boutique private practice. You are a positive, reliable, punctual team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to learn new skills.

Responsibilities include assisting with orthodontic appliance placement and removal, taking X-rays, creating molds, maintaining records, EMR usage, patient education, and coordinating with the doctor and front office.

Qualifications

• Must be a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with CPR certification.
• At least 1 year of orthodontic clinical experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in placing and removing orthodontic appliances.
• Take X-Rays/Scans.
• Create molds and impressions for retainers.
• Take photographs for patient records.
• Maintain accurate patient histories and treatment progress.
• Ensure all instruments and equipment are sterilized before use.
• Educate patients and parents on oral hygiene and braces aftercare.
• Learn and become proficient in EMR usage.
• Coordinate scheduling with team and patients.
• Cross-train in front office duties and assist as needed.

Skills

Positive attitude

Reliability

Punctual

Team-oriented

Efficient

Proactive

Interpersonal skills

Willing to learn

Education

RDA certification

CPR certification

Tools

EMR software

X-ray equipment

Job description

Seeking an experienced orthodontic clinical assistant to join our boutique, private orthodontic practice. A candidate that is a good-fit for our practice would be described as positive, reliable, punctual, down-to-earth, efficient, proactive, team-driven, willing to learn new skills and excellent interpersonal skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• 1+ year Orthodontic clinical work experience.

Work Days

• Monday- Friday 9-5.

• Plus 2 half-Saturdays per month 9-1.
• Closed Wednesdays.
• Lunch break 12-1:30pm.

Pay rate is based on skill level competency and will determine during working interview.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists in placing and removing orthodontic appliances.
• Takes X-Rays/Scans.
• Creates molds and impressions of patients’ teeth for the fabrication of retainers.
• Take photographs for patient records.
• Maintains accurate records of patients’ oral health histories and treatment progress.
• Ensures all orthodontic instruments and equipment are properly sterilized before each use.
• Treats patient as an honored guest and provides unforgettable experience.
• Assists orthodontists by preparing for procedures, setting up instruments, and keeping patient’s mouths dry with suction tool.
• Communicates any problem areas regarding patient progress to Orthodontist.
• Educates patients (and parents) on proper oral hygiene practices and braces aftercare.
• Learns and becomes proficient in EMR usage.
• Works with team and patients to coordinate scheduling.
• Cross trains in front office duties and fills-in as necessary.
• Make adjustments to patient braces, brackets and bands as directed by Orthodontist.
• Accompanies patient from waiting area to chair while engaging in conversation.

Essential Job Skills

• Communicate effectively and respectfully to Doctor and team.
• Ability to demonstrate reliability and responsiveness to patients and team.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with various stakeholder groups.
• Work collaboratively with administrative functions.
• Share and receive information, concern and feedback in a supportive manner.
• Ability to participate towards a common goal, reinforcing individual capabilities.
• Practice shared accountability with other team members.
• Ability to show empathy.

Responsibilities and Duties

• The ability to work with appliances such as Quad Helix, Lower E-Arch, Herbst, TADs, Carriere, and other appliances.
• Must have knowledge in making and trimming models and making Essix Retainers.
• Proper X-rays (Ceph, Pano’s), as well as diagnostic photos.
• Experience with Twin brackets & clear aligners.
• Bonding procedure (Isolate, pumice, Etching/Primer, seat brackets/bond attachments).
• Archwire change (remove, replace wire, o ties, steel ties, or power chain).
• Alginate impressions, pour, and trim models.
• Obtain digital scan.
• Seat bands, deliver appliances and remove them.
• Bond fixed retainers.
• Must be able to complete sterilization of tools, set up trays, cleaning stations.
• Promote an atmosphere supportive of good dental and general health by demonstrating good oral hygiene, questioning patients to ascertain home care status, and instructing patients in techniques of flossing and brushing in accordance with protocol.
• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures.
• The ability to greet the patient, sit with the patient, ask questions to be able to communicate with the doctor about the patient’s needs.
• Open the treatment card, let the doctor know about today's treatment plan.
• Be able to enter notes in the system while the doctor is checking the patient.
• Update the Doctor’s working status using software according to SOPs.
• Explain treatment recommendations to the patient as well as calm and reassure the patient during the procedures as needed.
• Assist the doctor during treatment.
• Coordinate for additional assistance or materials during treatment.
• Complete all the authorization forms.
• Ensure team and patient satisfaction.
• Delivery of quality dental care to patients.
• Resolve patient issues in accordance with company policies and procedures, healthcare regulations, and dental board standards.
• Assist in managing specialist referral processes.
• Communicate with team members to ensure they have the information, tools, and support needed to perform the job effectively and successfully.
• Follow office policies and regulations.
• Maintain patient data and records according to regulations and company policies, as well as HIPAA.
• Increase and stimulate new patient growth by supporting sales, marketing, and promotional programs.
• Complete administrative tasks audit charts.
• Maintain facilities and equipment cleanliness and safety with all state and federal regulations, including OSHA.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties and responsibilities may change with or without notice.

Expectations

• Team player.
• Adapt to different atmospheres.
• Critical thinking.
• Effective decision making, prioritization, team building, customer service, achieving outcomes under pressure while balancing effective patient management.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates the highest professional and ethical standards to gain and maintain credibility.
• Must have the ability to interpret a variety of technical information.
• Ability to motivate others on a team and help them succeed.
• Multitasking skills and the ability to tend to multiple problems at a time.
• Strong knowledge of company policy, goals, and standards.
• Strong customer service skills in the areas of handling disputes and treating patients with care.