Orthodontic Dental Assistant

Job Overview
At Surf & Smiles Orthodontics, we believe every smile has a story and every patient deserves to feel seen, valued, and cared for. We are looking for a warm, energetic Orthodontic Assistant to join our team in our Vista and Fallbrook offices.

In this role, you’ll work side-by-side with our doctors and team to create an experience where patients feel comfortable, confident, and excited about their smile journey. You’ll provide chairside support during orthodontic procedures, help keep our clinic running smoothly, and play an important role in making each visit positive and memorable.

Our ideal teammate is someone who loves working with people, thrives in a team environment, and brings a positive attitude to every interaction. Spanish speaking is a plus.

At Surf & Smiles, we’re more than an orthodontic office. We’re a team committed to community, kindness, and helping every patient experience the friendly smile.

This is a paid position with opportunities to grow your skills and be part of a supportive, high-energy practice that takes pride in both excellent orthodontic care and meaningful patient relationships.

Duties

• Assist orthodontists during various procedures, including bracket placement, wire adjustments, and appliance installations, utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques for efficiency.
• Prepare treatment rooms by sterilizing instruments, setting up necessary tools, and ensuring all equipment is functioning correctly in accordance with infection control protocols.
• Take and develop dental radiographs (X-ray), including panoramic and 3D scans, to assist in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Manage patient records using EMR (Electronic Medical Records) systems such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft, ensuring all medical documentation complies with HIPAA regulations.
• Educate patients on orthodontic care instructions, appliance maintenance, and oral hygiene practices tailored for pediatric dentistry and general dentistry needs.
• Monitor vital signs and assess patient comfort throughout procedures to ensure safety and well-being.
• Support the dental receptionist by scheduling appointments, updating medical records, and managing patient flow efficiently.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Dental Assistant with a focus on orthodontics or pediatric dentistry preferred.
• Proficiency with Ortho Edge 2 a plus.
• Strong knowledge of dental terminology, anatomy, infection control practices, and aseptic techniques.
• Ability to operate dental imaging equipment including X-ray machines and 3D scanners accurately and safely.
• Excellent understanding of dental terminology, dental coding, and dental assisting procedures.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations to maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Certification in dental assisting or equivalent; additional certifications in endodontics or prosthodontics are advantageous.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to connect with and educate patients of all ages, especially children, in a way that makes them feel comfortable and confident in their smile journey. Join us in creating beautiful smiles while growing your career in an environment built on teamwork, positivity, and genuine care. At Surf & Smiles Orthodontics, we are committed to a supportive culture where your talents can flourish and your passion for helping others shines through in every patient experience.

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Uniform allowance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20