Orthodontist Assistant Job Description

Posted by admin on October 24, 2011
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What do Orthodontist Assistants Do for a Living?

That’s a good question.  Like anyone who is looking to get into any field it is important you know exactly what is expected of you before you go in.  The last thing you need is to go through years of schooling and find out that you are overwhelmed by the expected job duties day in and day out.  Here is a rough estimate of what you can expect to go through.

Orthodontists are responsible for fixing, realigning, and repairing the teeth.  Though a number of the procedures can be regarded as strictly for vanity, there are some procedures that are health related.  Through the use of braces, invisible aligners, and retainers the teeth are repaired.

As an orthodontist assistant, you are expected to be there as the lead orthodontist performs procedures.  You are the extra pair of eyes and ears for the physician and help with patients before, during, and after procedures and check ups. What is expected of you is usually up to the office you work for, but it usually is not much more than we have outlined here.  What ever office you work in will further train you on your exact requirements.

What Education Is Required

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You have to first have a high school diploma before you can expect to get started.  From there you need to enroll in a technical college, or a community college and obtain a degree.  You have to obtain specialist training in this field, meaning you cannot enter with a liberal arts or business degree.  The degree must specifically be in the field of dentistry and orthodontics.

Obtaining said degree is not difficult.  Start your search at the local community college.  Most courses only run a few thousand dollars a semester.  Much cheaper than a four year University.  You can also find online degree programs as well if there are no schools in your area.  There are also job corps all around the country that provide on the job training for orthodontist assistants as well.

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Training Required To Become A Dental Hygienist

Posted by admin on February 16, 2012
Articles / 712 Comments

Many a times, it is wondered what the difference between a Dental Assistant and a Dental Hygienist really is, if any. To many, they are quite one and the same thing. Well, it cannot be entirely denied that they are the same because these two professionals basically have almost similar responsibilities. To the keen observer’s eyes, however, it should be noticed that the Dental Hygienist undertakes duties that are more advanced during a procedure than the Dental Assistant. The Dental Hygienists do things like filling patients’ cavities and scrapping tartar, which a Dental Assistant would not be easily allowed to do by state regulations.

Becoming A Dental Hygienist

A Dental Hygienist must be very social in nature because they have to meet and talk to very many people. They must also be very industrious and be able to operate the many tools of their trade.

Becoming a Dental Hygienist is just the next step after becoming a Dental Assistant. It should therefore be expected that Dental Hygienists undergo longer periods of study. The Dental Hygienist actually undergoes four years of training before they can qualify for practice. Their pay is relatively higher and, as earlier stated, their duties are more detailed and complex. These duties are, among others,

  • Performing diagnostic tests on the patients to facilitate the Dentist’s ultimate observation and evaluation
  • Carrying out basic cavity prevention treatments on the patients
  • Taking X-rays of the patients
  • Taking impressions
  • They handle periodontal disease cases
  • In some states, they may be allowed, on few occasions, to administer to the patients anesthetics and even place temporary teeth feeling.
  • Advising and instructing the patients on ways of  observing proper hygiene to minimize the chance of having teeth problems

For one to become Dental Hygienist, the Accredited Dental Hygienist program must be completed successfully. To be accepted into the Dental Hygienist programs, one must present a high school completion certificate and some good college entrance test scores to their school of choice. It should always be ensured that the school of choice meets the standards of the accreditizing body and the state regulations on Dental Hygienists.

Training Required For Dental Hygienist Degrees And Positions

With reference to the U.S.A.  Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 301accredited Dental Hygienist programs. This accreditation has been facilitated by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in the U.S.A. Many of these programs facilitate the pursuing of associate degree courses later on. The Dental Hygiene program comprises of many subjects. These subjects include, among others,

  • Anatomy
  • Chemistry
  • Histology
  • Period ontology
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Radiography
  • Nutrition

Successful Completion Of The Dental Hygienist Program

The successful completion of the Dental Hygiene program alone is not sufficient to set one on the career. The state must license all Dental Hygienists. To be licensed, the Dental Hygienist must have passed an accredited written and clinical examination. It should be noted that the written examinations are administered by the American Dental Association’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. After all this is done, a successful and very enjoyable career as a Dental Hygienist may be enjoyed without further delay.

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Dental Assistant Career

Posted by admin on February 16, 2012
Articles / 273 Comments

Before or after seeking to venture into any profession, it is normal, and almost inevitable, to want to know the employability rate of members of the profession in question. As a Dental Assistant, employment is not difficult at all because there is a rise in the demand for professionals in Cosmetic Dentistry.

Why Look Into A Dental Assistant Career

It is quite easy to get started on this career path because one does not have to study for long – two or even less years is just sufficient. Actually, most of the know-how in this profession is learnt while at the job! Rules and regulations concerning dental careers vary from state to state. These rules are those that govern how much or how deep a Dental Assistant can delve into a dental procedure having qualified to a certain level. It is therefore immensely important to check and confirm your state’s regulations on the profession of a dental assistant. After that, find a school that adheres to those state rules. This is to avoid any sanctions in your practice as a dental assistant.

Qualifying For A Dental Assistant Career With A CDA

To qualify as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), it is necessary to attend a school approved by the national agency responsible for administering the legitimate examinations and certifications. You may find out that some schools are accredited by the national agency while others are not accredited by the national agency. As earlier mentioned, two year colleges are perfectly acceptable for this career. If you intend to pursue a career as a dental assistant, you should study Chemistry, Biology, Health and Office Practices at your preliminary level of education. You must also be reliable, sociable and industrious by nature.

In your career as a Dental Assistant, you will have tasks that may appear to be very many from afar but yet, they are also extremely enjoyable if you get into it out of passion and not compulsion. Some of these duties will include, among many others; working in the office helping the Dentist in taking teeth impressions and X-rays, ensuring patient comfort by talking to them nicely before the procedures to ease their likely  tension, arranging equipment needed for procedures and ensuring that they are well sanitized, offering patients post-procedure advice and the list is endless. It is important to note that the people you will see and your duties will be very dynamic and will as such be bound to change every day or even every hour! A dental Assistant must therefore be a very flexible person who is quick at learning new things and really enjoys it.

Benefits Of A Dental Assistant Career?

You may wonder what benefits await you should you venture into the career of Dental Assistance. Well, need it be mentioned that you will earn bountiful wages and benefits? Dental assistants also get to master dentistry by apprenticeship as they get to closely observe and at times even participate in these procedures. Dental Assistants are quite instrumental in patients’ comfort and services. Most importantly, this is a very good place to start off as a proficient dentist.

Did you know that according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, this occupation is fore-seen to grow faster in the year2018 than all the others of its kind? You can also use the salary calculator at salary.com to discover how much your local Dental Assistants currently earn.

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Orthodontist Assistant Jobs and Training

Posted by admin on November 05, 2011
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What Training is Required?

This depends on what state you live in.  In some states, to become a dental assistant you need formal training and to be certified by a board.  However in some other states, you do not have any requirements to receive formal training before you can work.  Though it is not required in some of those states, it still helps to get the proper training.

To become an orthodontist assistant you have to be certified by the Dental Assisting National Board in some cases. The training can be obtained at some local community and junior colleges. Online classes are also available as well. The classes do not last long, typically ending between 10 and 12 weeks. Such schooling generally costs between $3000 an $5000.

Orthodontist Assistant Jobs: How to Get Started

This is pretty self explanatory. Assistants will work in a orthodontist office and assist him or her with their duties. This usually involves being with the patient before a procedure and helping with tools and supplies.

If you are doing “on the job training” such as at a job corp or similar type of school you will learn quickly how to use the instruments, how to speak with patients, and how to keep everything sanitary and comfortable in the office.

Once you have trained, gotten your degree and certification you can then look for work. Create a resume’ upload it to Monster.com, Careerbuilder, and Craigslist. That’s a start to your career search. Be sure to try to land interviews by calling up and inquiring offices nearby. You can even ask for an apprenticeship/internship if you cannot find immediate paid work.

Once you are asked to interview, simply be calm and be prepared to talk about why you would like the position. Be sure to negotiate your salary requirements and benefits package as well.

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Sample Resume for a Orthodontist Assistant

Posted by admin on November 02, 2011
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Feel free to use this resume template on your job quest as an orthodontist assistant.  Be sure to outline your intentions, related history, experience, and any personal accolades you have.  It also helps if you have experience in public services or volunteering.

 

Sally Smith
123 House Dr.  •  City, ST  •  (123) 123-4567
name@emailcom

 SUMMARY

  • List some things about your intentions and why you want the position. Make it short.  A good example would be, “Motivated self starter seeks immediate position in dental hygiene. “  Then list some supporting reasons why you are good for the job.

EXPERIENCE

My Job 1 (Sity, ST)                                                                                2010 – present

Job Title

  • Put your last job title and description here.  Highlight the fact that you can work with people, work with teams, and meet deadlines.
  • It also doesn’t hurt to mention your person and professional goals.

EDUCATION

School Name (City, ST)                                                                                     Year

  • Put the name of your degree program and school where you received dental training here.
  • Also put any other post secondary schooling you have received a degree from as well. This will show you are well rounded and a learner.

LEADERSHIP

  • Put your hobbies here include any volunteering or work with children you have done.  Anything that has to do with teamwork, community building or organization should be here.
  • If you support any charities you can list that here as well.

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How Much Do Orthodontist Assistants Make?

Posted by admin on October 24, 2011
Articles / 25 Comments

Salary Expectations

Keep in mind that your salary will greatly fluctuate in regard to where you live in the country. As with anything, location means a lot in determining how much money you will make as a orthodontist assistant.

From the most recent numbers we can find, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) says that as of May 2008 you can expect to earn the following:

  • The top 10% will earn more than $46,150
  • The middle 50% will earn $26,980-38,960
  • The average salary earned is $32,380
  • The lowest 10% earned less than $22,270

All of these numbers are contingent on the degree of employment as well (full or part-time).  According to the BLS many assistants move on after a while to selling medical supplies, going back to school to increase their education, or leaving the industry altogether.

 

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