Careers as an Orthodontist Assistant

If you are looking into a career as an orthodontic assistant, AS4U Career Center can help with the search. There are many things that you should know before starting in this career field, such as the duties you may have and the education needed to be a qualified assistant.

Duties & Responsibilities

The duties that are required of an orthodontic assistant are different from those of a dental assistant. Orthodontic assistants spend more time with patients on an individual basis, while dental assistants mainly assist during procedures. They will assist with suctioning, pass the dentist tools, and make sure that everything is as it should be so that the procedure goes smoothly. Orthodontic assistants are more flexible and possess a wide variety of skills, such as attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, and more.

Training & Education

The first thing that you should do if you want to become an orthodontist assistant and take on the responsibility in the dental office is to find out what requirements the state you reside in has in place. In some states, formal education and dental training are required. A certificate may also be acceptable as well, and some states provide training on the job. Look for an orthodontic course in Alpharetta near you.

Hours & Salary

Hours for individuals who work as an orthodontist assistant are often considered favorable. Many orthodontists work four days each week, which is something you should consider when it comes to your salary. Instead of getting a regular 40 hours a week, you may work 30 hours a week on average. Depending on your training and experience, orthodontic assistants earn an average of $11 to $22 per hour.

Careers

Orthodontics is a growing field, with more opportunities for jobs as well as long-term career security. Many orthodontists use the most advanced techniques and the latest dental equipment to perform their job duties, which means your education will never end. Over the years, orthodontist assistants will gain more training as well as more experience and move forward in their health career.