Job Description
Job Description
Description : Job Title
Orthodontic Assistant
Location
Mesa, Arizona
Garn & Mason Orthodontics
Position Summary
The Orthodontic Assistant assists the orthodontist in all phases of patient orthodontic treatment, ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality care. The role includes clinical (chairside) support, patient education, administrative tasks, and maintaining a sterile, organized work environment.
Key Responsibilities & DutiesClinical / Chairside Assistance
- Assist the orthodontist during bonding, wire changes, adjustments, bracket placement, ligation, activation, debonding, and repairs
- Prepare patients (isolation, drying, fitting appliances, etching, bonding)
- Take orthodontic impressions, intraoral scans, and perform model work
- Take, develop, and evaluate dental / cephalometric / panoramic X-rays (as permitted by law)
- Place, adjust, and remove archwires, elastics, separators, and other appliances
- Monitor patient compliance and provide guidance on appliance usage
- Clean, sterilize, and maintain instruments and equipment conforming to infection-control protocols
- Troubleshoot minor appliance issues (loose brackets, poking wires) under supervision
Patient Education & Communication
Instruct patients and caregivers on proper oral hygiene, appliance care, and complianceProvide pre- and post-treatment instructions and remindersAnswer patient questions (within scope) and follow up on concernsReinforce doctor’s instructions and ensure patient understandingAdministrative / Office Support
Maintain patient charts, records, and update treatment progress (charting, transcribing doctor notes)Schedule or confirm appointments, follow up on missed visitsCoordinate with front office on billing, authorizations, and insurance as neededOrder, monitor, and manage orthodontic supplies and inventoryAssist with sterilization logs, equipment maintenance, and compliance documentationEnsure operatories and common areas are clean, organized, and well stockedCompliance & Safety
Follow all health, safety, radiation, and infection control policiesMaintain certifications (e.g. radiology, CPR) as requiredAdhere to state dental board or regulatory guidelinesReport any equipment malfunctions or safety issues promptlyParticipate in continuing education and trainingQualifications & Skills
Required :
High school diploma or equivalentDental assisting training or experience, preferably in orthodonticsCertification or licensure per Arizona state requirements (e.g. radiology certification, RDA, etc.)CPR / BLS certificationProficiency in dental / orthodontic software (e.g. practice management, imaging systems)Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skillsAbility to multitask, prioritize, and work in a fast-paced environmentDetail oriented and precise when working with small instrumentsFriendly, patient-focused, professional demeanorAbility to work as part of a teamPreferred :
1–3 years of orthodontic assisting experienceCertified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) credentialFamiliarity with digital scanning (e.g. iTero, 3Shape)Experience with 3D printing / model fabricationExperience managing inventory and ordering suppliesWorking Conditions & Physical Requirements
Mostly clinic setting, working chairsideStanding for long periods, bending, stooping, reachingFine motor skills to handle small instrumentsUse of protective gear (gloves, masks, eye protection)Occasional lifting (up to ~25 lbs)Exposure to dental materials, disinfectants, radiation (under safety protocols)Compensation & Benefits
Competitive hourly wage / salaryHealth, dental, vision insurancePaid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)Retirement plan / 401(k) matchingCareer advancement opportunitiesRequirements :