An orthodontic assistant works closely with an orthodontist to ensure that patients’ teeth are aligned properly. You must first obtain a high school diploma or equivalent in order to work as an orthodontic assistant. You’ll almost certainly need an associate’s degree in dental assisting. To become an orthodontic assistant, you must first complete your formal education and then gain some practical work experience. After you’ve worked in this field for a while, you might want to get professionally certified.
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses solely on tooth and jaw alignment issues. The majority of orthodontic patients are children who require long-term dental treatment to straighten their teeth. During dental alignment procedures, orthodontic assistants usually work alongside an orthodontist. They take dental impressions, adjust braces, and take X-rays, among other things. Cleaning and setting up equipment, preparing patients for dental procedures, and obtaining dental records are all things that orthodontic assistants do.
This dental assistant specialty is primarily learned through on-the-job training, but some formal education is required as well. You’ll need a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma to work as an orthodontic assistant. Completing health science and biology courses in high school may be beneficial. Obtaining an associate’s degree in dental assisting is also required many employers before beginning any hands-on training.
A two-year community college, trade school, or technical institute can offer an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting degree. This degree is usually enough to start getting on-the-job training to become an orthodontic assistant. This program typically includes courses in radiology, oral anatomy, infection prevention, and dental materials. Dental procedures such as dental impressions, tooth polishing, and rubber dam construction are also covered. Some programs offer internships to students who want to gain relevant work experience.
Before you can become an orthodontic assistant, you must have a certain amount of practical work experience in addition to a college degree. Before working in this specialized field, most employers require you to complete extensive on-the-job training. The field of orthodontics necessitates the development of precise skills over time. Some orthodontists prefer to teach important people skills to orthodontic assistants first, in order to help patients relax during delicate dental procedures. As a result, you could start your career as a front office or general dental assistant and work your way up to an orthodontics specialty.
You may want to pursue professional certification in this field after you have received sufficient on-the-job training. A professional certification can help you earn more money and get more job opportunities. The Dental Assisting National Board in the United States issues professional certifications to orthodontic assistants. Applicants must have a high school diploma and work experience in this field, or a college degree in this field. To be certified as an orthodontic assistant, they must also pass two separate exams.