Orthodontic and Sterilization Assistant

Seton Hill University; Greensburg (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Orthodontic and Sterilization Assistant to support orthodontic residents and clinical faculty. This role involves assisting with dental procedures, ensuring equipment sterilization, and maintaining patient records. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, work well in a team, and have the necessary certifications. Join a dynamic environment where your contributions will enhance patient care and support the education of future dental professionals. If you are passionate about orthodontics and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must have excellent communication skills and work well as a team member.
• Required to have Pennsylvania Dental Radiograph Certification.

Responsibilities

• Assist orthodontic residents with dental assisting needs and sterilization.
• Prepare orthodontic materials and maintain a debris-free environment.

Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Pennsylvania Dental Radiograph Certification

Tools

Google Docs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Orthodontic and Sterilization Assistant

POSTED: April 10, 2025

DEPARTMENT: Post-Doctoral Graduate, Advanced Educational Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

SUPERVISED BY:

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Hourly

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

PURPOSE OF POSITION: The position is primarily used to support the orthodontic residents and clinical faculty with basic orthodontic dental assisting needs and the volume of equipment sterilization, ensuring coordination of care with residents and the front-end needs (registration/billing) for the Center’s orthodontic patients.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

• Service-excellence skills of the highest levels practiced on a daily basis to ensure smooth operations with patients, general public, residents, faculty, managers, and co-workers.
• Properly mix dental compounds/cements, acid etch materials, and prepare arch wires, impression materials/trays, and other orthodontic treatment items for residents.
• Relay (four-handed) dental instruments and materials to the dentist; assisting while maintaining a debris-free operating environment.
• Prepare orthodontic brackets for bonding, assist in patient bonding appointments or debonding, and ensure proper documentation is obtained in a timely and efficient manner.
• Pour and finish cast study models to orthodontic/state specifications or prepare e-models.
• Expose and develop/process dental radiographs (i.e., intra-oral, panorex, and cephalometric radiographs).
• Assist in placing and removing orthodontic appliances; familiar with taking full records including panorex & cephalometric radiographs in addition to 3-D scans, photographs & 3-D.
• Prepare patient treatment/setups, instruments, supplies, bonding setups, etc., to accommodate the daily patient schedule load.
• Preparation of dental instruments/handpieces/small items for sterilization in sterilization bags or appropriate sterilization instrument-cassettes/trays.
• Maintain order of all dental instruments and supplies and the sterilization of working units as specified in OSHA and Infection Control policy.
• Provide regular microbial testing of the autoclave or other sterilization equipment to ensure proper sterilization.
• Participate in performance improvement activities and uphold policy on corporate ethics for successful patient care.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair program for the clinic, including computer x-ray hardware and software, chairs, compressor, vacuum system, and other systems and equipment.
• Timely maintenance of instruments & all equipment; allocate time and resources efficiently & effectively.
• Assist the program director with the progress & completion of research projects.
• Incorporate patient records into the orthodontic software from both internal and external sources.
• Prepare reports, presentations & inventory tracking and other products with Google Docs and Microsoft Office.
• Covers the front desk registration/reception area, as needed for patient intake procedures.
• Coordinate payment efforts with the patients, directly communicating with orthodontic billing personnel to ensure patient accounts are correct and current.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
• Must have Pennsylvania Dental Radiograph Certification.
• Must have excellent communication skills and work well as a member of a team.
• Ability to meet attendance/scheduling requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
• Successfully completed a structured dental assisting program in four-handed dentistry (or have three years of equivalent work experience).
• Previous dental specialty experience preferred (orthodontics).
• Institutional experience is very beneficial.
• High motivation and good organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Word, Excel & PowerPoint.

Interested and qualified individuals should apply to [e-mail]. Required applicant materials include: Cover Letter & Resume. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by April 16, 2025 will receive priority consideration.

About Seton Hill University:

Chartered in 1918, Seton Hill University is a leading Catholic coeducational liberal arts university founded by the Sisters of Charity and embracing students of all faiths. Located in southwestern Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands (yet only 35 miles from Pittsburgh), Seton Hill educates its students to think and act critically, creatively and ethically as productive members of society committed to transforming the world.

Background checks will be performed on all new hires. Employment is conditional upon acceptable results of background checks and clearances.