A new field of practice has opened up for dental assistants. This opportunity is in the area of orthodontics. As the goal of having a beautiful, bright smile becomes more and more popular, many orthodontists turn to dental assistants to help keep up with the demand. From the dental assistant’s point of view, there are many similarities in the duties. Whether they are working for a general family dentist, or have entered into the specialized field of orthodontics, they will likely be sterilizing dental tools, assisting with procedures and performing specific lab work.
However, there are additional responsibilities for which a dental assistant may be responsible when working in the field of orthodontics. For example, instead of just handing the necessary tools to the doctor when requested, the assistant to the orthodontist might find that they are the ones using the tools. In this career, the dental assistant might be expected to tighten wires, change out parts of the braces, or replace rubber bands, on their own. Many orthodontic dental assistants enjoy the opportunity to be more “hands on” with the patient and to be an important part of the patient’s orthodontic care. In this type of a setting, the dental assistant will enjoy a much closer relationship with the patient, possibly seeing that patient every few weeks for the length of their treatment, which can be two years or more.
If you are interested in a career in orthodontic dental assisting, you may find that the average dental assistant program does not properly train you, on its own, to work for an orthodontist. After passing the basics, through the normal course of training, you will likely be subjected to “on the job training”. On the job training for a “new to the career” dental assistant is performed by observing the work of other dental assistants, and then being watched and critiqued while performing those same tasks on a patient. Although it may seem overwhelming to some, most dental assistants find that the opportunity to work in the specialized field of orthodontics is invaluable. In addition, the experience an orthodontic dental assistant gains will make them a more attractive prospect in the job market, thus increasing their earning potential.
For the orthodontist, of course, having a valued assistant means more time for more patients. In many practices, the patient will first see the orthodontist, who will review the patient’s progress, and then make notes of instruction that are to be carried out by the dental assistant. The orthodontist is then available to begin the process with the next patient, leaving the first patient in the capable hands of the dental assistant. Upon completion of the procedure by the dental assistant, the orthodontist evaluates the work done, and baring additional work that the orthodontist may deem necessary, sends the patient on their way.
This type of practice not only serves the orthodontist and the dental assistant, but the patient, as well. As a result of the additional time that the orthodontist has, the patient may experience a shorter waiting time, and even a reduced price for the treatment as a result of greater profit to the orthodontist.
