Lead Orthodontic Assistant

Position Summary

The Lead Orthodontic Assistant supports the orthodontist and practice leadership by delivering outstanding clinical care, guiding a high-performing clinical team, and ensuring the daily operations of the orthodontic bay run efficiently. This role combines advanced clinical expertise with leadership responsibilities, serving as a mentor, trainer, and point of contact for clinical assistants.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Support

• Assist the orthodontist with all clinical procedures, including bonding, debonding, impressions/scanning, wire changes, adjustments, and sterilization protocols.

• Maintain strict compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and infection-control standards.

• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and equipment for daily patient flow.

• Ensure accurate charting, documentation, and updating of patient records.

• Manage inventory of clinical supplies and submit restock requests as needed.

Leadership & Team Development

• Serve as the lead resource for clinical assistants regarding workflow, protocols, and best practices.

• Provide hands-on training and onboarding for new orthodontic assistants.

• Support daily team huddles, patient flow management, and communication between front and back office.

• Lead by example with professionalism, teamwork, and a positive patient-focused attitude.

• Assist with scheduling clinical team coverage to ensure proper staffing.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor clinical standards to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all procedures.

• Collaborate with the orthodontist and manager on process improvements, patient satisfaction initiatives, and clinical KPIs.

• Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and coordinate service/maintenance when needed.

• Support adherence to company policies, safety standards, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of orthodontic assisting experience required (expanded duties preferred).

• Current CPR certification required.

• X-ray certification preferred or must be obtained within required timeframe.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume orthodontic environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience training or supervising dental/orthodontic assistants.

• Proficiency with orthodontic software and digital scanning systems OrthoTrac OrthoFi.