Orthodontist Assistants

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.