Orthodontic Assistant

Position Title: Orthodontic Assistant

Employee Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Dr. Volovic

Job Summary:

Assists in the performance of quality, caring clinical procedures by aiding Dr. Volovic smoothly and unobtrusively during orthodontic treatment. Performs clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of Dr. Volovic as well as prepares the operatory and equipment, gets the patient ready, and maintains awareness of the comfort and safety needs of the patient. Capable and willing to engage the patient in discussion about their orthodontic treatment and expectations of treatment as well as activities and interests of patient. Ensures that the treatment and business areas are free of all contagions by following the guideline for blood-borne pathogens as described by OSHA.

Essential Duties:

• - Opens office- lights, music, equipment
• • Procedure set-up and breakdown
  • Greets and seats patient (think customer service)
  • Removes and inserts archwires, places elastomers
  • Fits bands for appliances, places separators
  • Prepares teeth for bondings-clean, etch, prime, maintain dry field
• - Debonding- removes brackets and polishes teeth
• • Seats and fits retainers
  • Cements permanent retainers
  • Instructs patients on care of braces
  • Chair-side assists Dr. Volovic
  • Orthodontic records – takes pano, lateral ceph, photos, impressions, scans
  • Digital radiography and computer software operation
  • Alginate impressions, tray selection, pour up
  • Patient photography, use of digital camera and software
  • “Closes the patient” – gives final instructions to parents
  • Properly sterilizes work unit after each patient
  • Ultrasonic cleaner operation
  • Autoclaving operation
  • Prepares tray set-up for next patient
  • Microetching brackets
  • Fabricates essix retainers and mouthguards
  • Removes trash from rooms and sterilization area
  • Maintains cleanliness of toothbrushing area
  • Maintains back office appearance
  • Communicates with front desk important on uncommon circumstances i.e. Doctor running behind, change in treatment, communication needed with referring DDS’s
  • Makes patient comfortable in the operatory – for example ask, “How they feel”? What have they been doing?
  • Stays with patient in room whenever possible prior to the initiation of treatment
  • Communicates return date for scheduling coordinator
  • Lathe and model trimmer operation
  • Verifies models okay and trimmed for lab submission
  • Stocks all rooms daily with disposable and non-disposable items. All rooms should be ready to accept a patient first thing in the morning.
  • Checks instrument drawers daily to ensure that when the doctor needs it, it’s there
  • Keeps an inventory of the basic and uncommonly used products
  • Maintains all equipment, reports any malfunctioning equipment
  • Runs vacuum solution at end each week in each operatory
  • Maintenance of vacuum system, compressor, x-ray equipment, hand pieces, model trimmer, dental chairs and other equipment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• • Skilled in the use of standard orthodontic office equipment including autoclave, model trimmer, digital x-ray unit, computer, camera, ultrasonic and hand pieces
  • Knowledge of cross contamination and how to prevent it
  • Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations
  • Knowledge of OSHA regulations and changes
  • Ability to take radiographs, including pano and lateral ceph
  • Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
  • Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including telephones, calculators, copier, fax, computers, and computer software (OrthoEdge, Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers, and patients
  • Ability to work cooperatively with doctor, co-workers, and patients
  • Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner
  • Ability to accept constructive criticism
  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
  • Ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to communicate and express thoughts and ideas competently
  • Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Dental assisting education program completion

Special Requirements/Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Radiology license

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• May be required to lift up to 25 lbs
• Hand-eye coordination and hand, arm, and finger mobility for detailed work with objects.
• Active movement throughout the day: sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, etc. (not a sedentary position).
• Vision: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing: able to satisfactorily communicate with patients, doctor, and other staff members to ensure that verbal communication is clearly understood, particularly during emergency situations.
• Finger dexterity is needed to perform clinical procedures
• May be required to administer CPR.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels.
• Exposure to hectic, fast-paced, high anxiety environments.

Additional or different duties may be assigned occasionally at employer’s discretion.

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