Orthodontic Assistant

Career Opportunities; Williston (ND); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Fisher Orthodontics in Williston, ND is seeking a part-time Orthodontic Assistant to support the orthodontist chairside in a fast-paced, patient-focused clinical environment.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of orthodontic procedures, be comfortable with imaging and records, maintain infection control, and contribute to efficient daily operations while delivering exceptional patient care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Orthodontic/dental assisting experience preferred, not required.
• X-ray/radiology certification required where applicable by state law, preferred, not required.
• Strong knowledge of orthodontic procedures and workflows; in-office training provided.
• Experience with digital imaging and orthodontic software preferred (Cloud 9, WaveOrtho, Ortho2).

Responsibilities

• Chairside assistance during orthodontic procedures with efficient workflow.
• Support bracket placement, wire changes, ligation, debanding, and adjustments per state rules.
• Assist with placement/removal of appliances such as brackets and wires.
• Prepare and breakdown operatories to maintain schedule.
• Ensure instruments and materials are ready before patient treatment.
• Escort patients to treatment areas and prepare them for procedures.
• Provide clear oral hygiene and retainer care instructions.
• Reinforce treatment expectations and post-visit instructions.
• Monitor patient comfort and respond to concerns.
• Build rapport with patients and families.
• Take and process diagnostic records including x-rays, photos, impressions, and scans.
• Assist with digital scanning workflows and record accuracy.
• Maintain organized patient records for provider review.
• Maintain operatory cleanliness and turnaround time.
• Support patient flow and schedule adherence.
• Monitor inventory and notify leadership for restocking.
• Ensure infection control, sterilization, and HIPAA compliance.
• Document clinical notes and treatment updates in the management system.
• Collaborate with front office to support scheduling and continuity of care.
• Participate in team meetings and trainings.
• Support additional clinical or operational duties as assigned.

Skills

Orthodontic procedures

Dental assisting

Patient education

Digital imaging

In-office training

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Cloud 9

WaveOrtho

Ortho2

Digital scanning

Job description

Description

Orthodontic Assistant

Position Type: Part-Time | Work Location: In-Person

Overview

Fisher Orthodontics, a growing orthodontic practice, is seeking a skilled, patient-focused Orthodontic Assistant to join our clinical team. This role is responsible for supporting the orthodontist in delivering high-quality orthodontic care while ensuring efficient clinical operations and an exceptional patient experience.

The ideal candidate is experienced in orthodontic procedures, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and committed to patient education, treatment accuracy, and clinical excellence.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical Assistance

• Assist orthodontist chairside during orthodontic procedures, anticipating provider needs and ensuring efficient workflow.
• Support bracket placement, wire changes, ligation, debanding, and orthodontic adjustments in accordance with state regulations.
• Assist with placement and removal of orthodontic appliances including brackets, archwires, elastics, expanders, and retainers.
• Prepare and break down operatories for orthodontic procedures to maintain schedule efficiency.
• Ensure all instruments, materials, and equipment are prepared and available prior to patient treatment.

Patient Care & Education

• Escort patients to treatment areas and prepare them for orthodontic procedures.
• Provide clear instructions on oral hygiene, appliance care, elastic wear, and retainer protocols.
• Reinforce treatment expectations, compliance requirements, and post-visit instructions.
• Monitor patient comfort and respond to concerns during treatment.
• Build rapport with patients and families to support a positive orthodontic experience.

Diagnostics & Imaging

• Take and process orthodontic diagnostic records including x-rays, intraoral and extraoral photos, impressions, and digital scans.
• Assist with digital scanning workflows and ensure accuracy of orthodontic records.
• Maintain organization and availability of patient diagnostic records for provider review.

Clinical Operations & Efficiency

• Maintain operatory cleanliness and ensure timely room turnover between patients.
• Support clinical team in maintaining patient flow and schedule adherence.
• Monitor inventory of orthodontic supplies and notify leadership of replenishment needs.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, sterilization, OSHA, and HIPAA standards.

Administrative & Team Support

• Accurately document clinical notes and treatment updates within the practice management system.
• Collaborate with front office and treatment coordination teams to support patient scheduling and continuity of care.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and continuing education sessions.
• Support additional clinical or operational duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Orthodontic/dental assisting experience preferred, not required.

Licensure / Certification Requirements

• Must maintain all licenses and certifications required by applicable state regulations.
• X-ray/radiology certification required where applicable by state law, preferred, not required

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of orthodontic procedures, appliances, and clinical workflows, preferred. Or ability to learn on the go, we offer in-office training.
• Experience with digital imaging, scanning technology, and orthodontic software preferred (Cloud 9, WaveOrtho, Ortho2, or similar).
• Ability to efficiently assist with orthodontic procedures in a fast-paced environment.

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to multitask and maintain efficiency under pressure.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude with strong work ethic.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and service.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Working Conditions

• Clinical orthodontic environment requiring adherence to infection control and safety protocols.
• Fast-paced setting with frequent patient interaction and multitasking.
• Moderate noise levels from clinical and orthodontic equipment.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequent bending, reaching, and movement between operatories.
• Manual dexterity required for handling orthodontic instruments and materials.
• Ability to lift and move supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds.