Dental Assistant at Red Dirt Orthodontics

Description

Position Title

Dental Assistant / Orthodontic Assistant

Location

Red Rock Orthodontics, Oklahoma City, OK

Reports To

Lead Orthodontist / Office Manager / Clinical Director

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant / Orthodontic Assistant will support the orthodontic team by providing clinical and administrative assistance to deliver high-quality patient care. The role involves chairside support during orthodontic procedures, preparation and sterilization of instruments, patient communication and education, and general office support to ensure smooth workflow and patient satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities / Duties

Clinical / Chairside Support

• Assist the orthodontist during all phases of treatment (e.g. placing brackets and bands, tying wires, removing appliances)  
• Prepare teeth for bracket placement (etching, bonding, cleaning) 
• Secure and adjust orthodontic wires, springs, ligatures, elastics, and other components  
• Assist with taking impressions, digital scans, and intraoral photographs  
• Take and process X-rays or cephalometric / panoramic images (if allowed by state law)  
• Remove excess cement from appliances, polish and clean teeth as needed  
• Maintain a sterile environment: sterilize instruments, set up trays, handle infection control procedures  
• Manage instrument inventory, check supplies, reorder as necessary  

Patient Interaction & Education

• Greet and prepare patients for treatment; explain what to expect during procedures  
• Provide oral hygiene and appliance care instructions (brushing, flossing with braces, retainer care, etc.)  
• Answer patient questions, address concerns, and help ensure comfort during treatments 
• Monitor patient progress, document observations, and assist in treatment planning discussions  

Administrative & Office Support

• Update patient charts, treatment records, and tracking logs  
• Schedule patient appointments and manage the flow of daily treatment sessions  
• Order supplies and manage inventory for clinical operations 
• Assist in billing, coding, and insurance documentation as needed (in coordination with front office)  
• Ensure the treatment rooms and common areas are clean, stocked, and ready for patient care  

Qualifications & Skills

Education / Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Completion of a dental assisting program or orthodontic-specific training preferred 
• Certification / registration as a dental assistant or orthodontic assistant (varies by state) 
• CPR / BLS certification 

Experience

• 1+ year experience in orthodontic assisting or general dentistry preferred 
• Experience working with orthodontic appliances (braces, retainers, aligners) 

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Proficiency in orthodontic procedures and their protocols 
• Comfortable with digital imaging, X-rays, impressions, and intraoral cameras 
• Knowledge of infection control, sterilization, OSHA / CDC regulations 
• Familiarity with dental / orthodontic practice management software 
• Strong computer and organizational skills 

Personal Qualities & Soft Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities 
• Empathy and patience, especially when working with children or anxious patients 
• Attention to detail and accuracy 
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure 
• Strong team player but also able to work independently 
• Good manual dexterity