Orthodontic Assistant

Shelby American, Inc.; Verona (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in orthodontics is seeking a dedicated Orthodontic Assistant to enhance patient care and support daily operations. This role involves preparing instruments, educating patients on treatment, and ensuring a comfortable experience during procedures. With a focus on excellent service and teamwork, you will play a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of patient care. If you are passionate about dental health and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that values your contributions and offers a supportive workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of recent dental assisting experience required.
• Strong proficiency with computers and electronic communication preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain orthodontic instruments and supplies.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene and treatment procedures.
• Assist with dental procedures and manage patient comfort.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Teamwork Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Dental Assisting Degree/Licensure

Tools

Dentrix

Viewpoint

Ortho II Software

Job description

Description

*This is split between the Verona and Stoughton locations*

JOB PURPOSE:

To educate patients on the purpose of their treatment and keep patients informed of treatment progress and any changes in treatment that may occur. Enhance the daily operations of the back office by providing excellent service and communication to patients. An orthodontic assistant (OAS) gives the overall impression of the company as typically patients spend most of their time with them; therefore it is vitally important to set the tone with a positive attitude.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESULTS:

1. CHAIRSIDE ASSISTING:

• Prepare, sterilize, disinfect, and maintain orthodontic instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Collect and record patient health histories and update HHx.
• Maintain patient management during orthodontic procedures to make sure the patient is comfortable (i.e. proper suction, using tools in a gentle manner).
• Properly transfer instruments to the doctor.
• Perform orthodontic procedure isolation techniques. Keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction, retractors, or tongue saddle.
• Thorough charting of treatment information in the patients’ dental notes from the doctor.
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (i.e. tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling, etc.).
• Proficient with orthodontic software (Ortho II) for charting, treatment planning, clinical notes, etc.
• Responsible for keeping all teammates on schedule and being aware of the “big picture.”
• Maintain extra duties as needed.

2. EXPANDED FUNCTIONS:

• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays and take intra-oral camera pictures (as needed).
• Take Invisalign impressions.
• With doctor supervision, insert and adjust removable mouth appliances (i.e. retainers, bonded retainers, TPA’s, etc.) and fit molar bands adequately.
• Digitize cephalometrics.
• Surgical wire placement.
• Fitting/bending headgear.
• Crop and print patient photos.
• Post patient payments and print a receipt.
• Scan and copy x-rays.
• Print, mail and document oral surgeon referrals.
• Assist with TADS placement.

3. DENTAL INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES:

• Manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
• Instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, and re-circulation.
• Disinfect dental operatory and sterilization, keeping things clear and organized.

4. DENTAL LABORATORY PROCEDURES:

• Pour impressions to make models and trim models.
• Fabricate mouth guards and essix retainers.

5. BUSINESS OFFICE PROCEDURES:

• Schedule and confirm patient appointments.
• Answer the phone, take messages, and chart when needed.
• Follow all forms of HIPPA and patient privacy for confidentiality.
• Greet patients and display a proper hand-off to the front office when checking out.
• Pull Demand Force confirmation list.
• Check financial when debanding (prior)
• Charge for the day office visit, retainers, etc.

6. PATIENT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION:

• Educate the patients on personal oral care instructions (removable appliances and elastic wear).
• Take part in community orthodontic presentations.
• Help to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including periodontics, TMJ, speech pathology, and oral surgery.

8. SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Exemplify excellent patient service by answering their questions in a thorough manner and following up with the patient.
• Foster a positive attitude at work when interacting with staff and patients and be a team player.
• Practice First Choice Dental’s philosophy of 3-step communication.
• Perform work in an efficient manner and be timely with patient care.
• Provide a proper handoff to the doctor.
• Conduct re-care calls and help talk to patients about scheduling their next appointment.
• Be willing to help out at another site (on day off or when asked).
• Help with keeping the doctor and schedule running on time.
• Respect patient privacy by maintaining a professional tone and not discussing personal matters with other staff in front of a patient. The focus and conversation should always be centered around the patient. Keep level of voice controlled in order to not disturb other patients.
• Initiate ideas for ways the site can improve or become more efficient.
• Maintain effective organizational skills and a high attention to detail.
• Take the time to carefully explain information to patient’s in a non-technical manner.

Requirements

JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB EVALUATION

DOCUMENTATION

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma required
• Dental Assisting Degree/Licensure preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of two years of recent dental assisting experience required
• High proficiency with computers and electronic communication preferred
• Dentrix and Viewpoint software preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal skills (making the patient feel welcome)
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple requests efficiently
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

• None required

DECISION MAKING

• Prioritize duties
• Strong willingness to respond to patient questions/requests

BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

• Demonstrate exceptional customer service and interact effectively with doctors, patients, vendors, visitors, team members and the broader heath care community
• Demonstrate a commitment to service, organizational values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all times

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

• All employee records/conversations/benefit elections.
• Business legal matters

HOURLY WAGE

• Based on experience

HOURS/WEEK

• Approximately 36 – 40 hours/week

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Balancing

Crouching

XHearing

Seeing

XSitting

XCarrying

Feeling

Kneeling

XClose

XStanding

Climbing

Fingering

XLifting

Far

Stooping

Crawling

XGrasping

Pulling

XColor

XTalking

XDepth

XWalking

EXPOSURES

XAirborne Particles

Explosives

Muscular Strain

Temperature

XCaustics

XFumes

XNoise

Toxicants

XChemicals

High Places

XOdors

Vibration

Electrical Current

Moving Parts

Physical Abuse

XVision Strain

Weather