Orthodontic Dental Assistant, Keizer Station Clinic (On-call, Days)

Kaiser Permanente; Keizer (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in dental care seeks a dedicated Orthodontic Assistant to provide exceptional patient care in a dynamic environment. This role involves instructing patients on proper orthodontic hygiene, assisting with various dental procedures, and ensuring the highest standards of patient comfort and safety. Ideal candidates will have completed an accredited dental assisting program and possess strong organizational skills. Join a passionate team committed to delivering top-notch orthodontic services and make a real difference in patients' lives while advancing your career in a supportive setting.

Qualifications

• Completion of accredited dental assisting program required.
• Must pass the Basic and Expanded Function Orthodontic Examination.

Responsibilities

• Instruct patients on orthodontic hygiene and techniques.
• Perform functions under dentist supervision, including taking impressions and adjusting appliances.
• Photograph patients for diagnosis and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Four-handed dentistry technique

Knowledge of dental materials

Ability to follow instructions

Time management

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Dental assisting program

Orthodontic assisting course

Tools

Ultrasonic scaler

Hand scaler

X-ray equipment

Job description

Job Summary:

To provide direct patient care to orthodontic patients within a Kaiser Permanente dental office.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Instruct the patient in proper technique of orthodontic oral hygiene, e.g. the use of elastics, separators, face bow and removable appliances and proper tooth brushing technique.
• Perform the following functions provided the dentist is on the premises and checks the patient before and after the functions are performed: Remove cement from bands using an ultrasonic or hand scaler. Re-cement loose orthodontic bands. Take impressions for the following purposes: Diagnostic models; Counter and opposing models; Fabrication of temporary removable orthodontic appliances; Intraoral bite registration for study model articulation. Remove any portion of an orthodontic appliance causing a patient discomfort and replace isomeric ligatures in an emergency when the dentist is not on the premises. Evaluate each returning patient for loose or broken bands and/or unbonded brackets.
• Place and remove ligature ties for adjustment of arch wires and/or bands. Place and remove arch wires. Preliminarily select and size bands. Place and remove interarch elastics and/or spring orthodontic separators. Place bracket on study model and fabricate tray for indirect bonding procedures.
• Photograph patient for intraoral and extraoral diagnosis utilizing appropriate retraction technique and equipment. Label and record all models, photographs and x-rays for presentation of case and later retention. Properly finish study models consistent with the criteria established by the orthodontist.
• As instructed, trace cephalometric x-rays for diagnostic purposes consistent with criteria established by the orthodontist.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• N/A

Education

• The individual must meet the requirements:
• Complete a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
• Complete a course of instruction in Orthodontic assisting approved by the Board and pass the Basic and Expanded Function Orthodontic Examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB).

License, Certification, Registration

• Dental Radiation Proficiency Certificate (Oregon) required at hire
• Expanded Function Orthodontic Dental Assistant Certificate (Oregon) within 6 months of hire
• Basic Life Support within 3 months of hire

Additional Requirements:

• The individual applicant for this position must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the individual performing the selection interview, the following qualifications if he/she is to be selected. Furthermore, consistent with the fact that these qualifications are required for selection, they then must be satisfactorily maintained by the individual as a condition of continued employment.
• Demonstrated competence in four-handed dentistry technique.
• Satisfactory level of knowledge and proficiency in the use of current dental materials, instruments and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and work effectively under both direct and indirect supervision.
• Well organized and manages time well.
• Demonstrated capacity to work in a fast paced, high performance environment.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Final candidate is required to pass a clinical pre-employment skills test.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer no less than one (1) year of experience as a dental assistant.
• Prefer experience as an orthodontic assistant but willing to train.
• Basic knowledge of sterilization and infection control equipment.