Getting an orthodontic assistant job.

How did you get your start doing orthodontic assistant work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

Most dental schools only train you in general dentistry and only briefly talk about orthodontics. You usually do an externship. I would suggest trying your hardest to extern for an orthodontic practice and learn as much as possible from it. I externed for an orthodontic office and worked really hard and showed them that I was determined to learn. I ended up getting hired! It is hard to get hired with now experience in ortho.

I just graduated from the Dental assistant program. During my rotations I realized that I have enjoyed Ortho the best,How do I get a job as an Ortho Assistant without any experience.

I have 12 years experience in Ortho in PR. How meny did you pay_

Hi, Can anyone tell me about the schools in the Twin Cities area? I've checked Dakota Technical and there are over 70 people on the waiting list. Has anyone gone to Herzing? I think it's the old lakeland dental academy. They have a one year program and are accredited by the ADA. I also wondered about the expanded fuctions part, can you take those courses after graduating from any program or just state? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

bren08 in St Paul, Minnesota said: Hi, Can anyone tell me about the schools in the Twin Cities area? I've checked Dakota Technical and there are over 70 people on the waiting list. Has anyone gone to Herzing? I think it's the old lakeland dental academy. They have a one year program and are accredited by the ADA. I also wondered about the expanded fuctions part, can you take those courses after graduating from any program or just state? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, I actually just started out with zero dental back ground in an office. I am now an office manager to a practice in NYC after 7 years of on the job experience. Apply for all your local Dentist office and tell them you are on a waiting list and wanted to get your foot in the door. Most respect that! I hire assistants with zero experence all the time, I can train them my way and we pay for them to take all there exams and certifications. Most office need you to be there a centain amout of time to take the test, so soak up all the info and bear with the very low wages in the beginning. Everyone has to start somewhere so you will be making decent money in a few years. I am now manager and making more than most of the people who went to school in my office. You show them how eager you are to learn and they will invest in you!

Check out the technical schools or see if the state you live in offers doctors on the job training. I'd rather you get training from a experienced doctor than going to school for a loan of $10,000 only to find out that people can get started with 15.50 w/ no experience or training. I reccommend perio assistant or oral surgery it pays alot more. Good luck the average salary is 30,000-42,000 & after 5 years of experience you can get more money once you know your skill.

V. J. said: I just graduated from the Dental assistant program. During my rotations I realized that I have enjoyed Ortho the best,How do I get a job as an Ortho Assistant without any experience.

Go through the phonebook and start dropping resumes off to ortho offices and introduce yourself and see if they are willing to give you a chance. Most orthodontists will rather train you than get someone with too much experience.

I am interested in being an orthodontic assistant. What is the best thing for me to do, go to school for dental assisting?

Lauren N in Holly Springs, North Carolina said: I am interested in being an orthodontic assistant. What is the best thing for me to do, go to school for dental assisting?

Although only a few states require formal training for orthodontic assistants, the profession has realized that a more systematic and formal training system is needed and the American Association of Orthodontists has endorsed the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting as thier official staff training program. It offers a course that can be taken online as well as hands-on courses. The website is www.orthassisting.net .

Hello I want to know if anyone ever taken the orthodontic Assissting Course on the website
www.othoassisting.net? This seem like a very credible and affordale way to get trained and get a certificate for working in a orthodontic office. I want to know before I set up to take the course, it only takes 3 months to complete and it is reconized by the Americcan Association of Othdontics. Its better to go this route than to spend countless months maybe years at a school paying thousands of dollars

Chrissy in Port Saint Lucie, Florida said: Hello I want to know if anyone ever taken the orthodontic Assissting Course on the website
www.othoassisting.net?

Ebony in cartersville,ga i have taken the online www.orthoassisting.net course it was a very good online program then i went to a 2-day class room hands on training i learned so much in those two days it was crazy the instructors were amazing i had lots of fun i think its well worth the 1600 i paid unfortionally i have not had one interview. so could anyone tell me what i should do to try and land a job as an ortho-assistant please and thank you in advance.

Chrissy in Port Saint Lucie, Florida said: Hello I want to know if anyone ever taken the orthodontic Assissting Course on the website
www.othoassisting.net?

Chrissy did you take the course online and if so did you complete it and find a job? I am in PSL also and am wondering how hard it is to find a job around here.

Host said: How did you get your start doing orthodontic assistant work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

I got my start by my boss just hiring me and I trained and became good at it,I have been doing this for 8 years now and I love it. You don't need any particular education just common since and a lot of inititive and good professional background...good luck

Chrissy in Port Saint Lucie, Florida said: Hello I want to know if anyone ever taken the orthodontic Assissting Course on the website
www.othoassisting.net?

Chrissy, I took a lot of the aao classes on line and they were very helpful and a lot of good stuff that I didn't know but I know now...good luck

orthodontic assistant of 18 yrs seeking employment

I got hired in an orthodontic office before even graduating high school. i got out of school everyday at 11:00 a.m so i got to come when i got out. You do not have to have a degree in dental assisting to get a job doing any kind of assisting whether its dental or ortho. The biggest thing that they look for when they're looking to hire is how eager and quick you are to learn. that's the biggest thing. and experience usually will get you a hire before a degree in it ever will...its just how it is.

Lela,
Really the best thing to do is call your local ortho sales reps. Ormco, GAC, Unitek, American, etc.

ebony moore in Cartersville, Georgia said: Ebony in cartersville,ga i have taken the online www.orthoassisting.net course it was a very good online program then i went to a 2-day class room hands on training i learned so much in those two days it was crazy the instructors were amazing i had lots of fun i think its well worth the 1600 i paid unfortionally i have not had one interview. so could anyone tell me what i should do to try and land a job as an ortho-assistant please and thank you in advance.

hi i am going to take the coa exam. i can not afford to take the online course. would like to know if you would be intrested in selling me the orthodontic assisting technque and theoy book.

I've been in orthodontics as an administrator, certified ortho assistant and treatment coordinator for 23 years. I am interesting in becoming an orthdontic sales rep. What do I do from here and do I need a degree of some kind? I'm really burned out on the in-office positions.

Orthodontic assistant seeking employment.Hard working,honest and reliable.

Looking to purchase the Orthodontic Assisting Technique and Theory Book. Does anyone have it and would like to sell it.

I'd like to upgrade my skills, I like to became an orthodontic assistant . Where do I find schools that provide that training?

Host said: How did you get your start doing orthodontic assistant work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

Some states have requirements, others do not. Check out the dental board website for your state to find out the specifics. Most orthodontists will hire and train on the job. Other programs like Academy of Orthodontic Assisting are helpful for those just getting started.

hello
i'm orthodontic assistant just for 4 month i need employment in fort lauderdale or broward florida i'm hard worker,billingual etc .... i need very badly.please if somebody know a job my email is hanne_nenita@hotmail.com

thanks u very much !!!!!
o hope somebody write please !!!!!

Hi i'm currently doing my internship in Miami for Dental Assisting and the place where i'm doing my hours want to keep me but I must get certified as an Orthodontist Assistant does any one have any info Please help Thanks :)

It would be best to ask the office where you are interning what certification they recognize or prefer. Each state and individual practices have various certifications that they accept. More educational resources and certification (recognized by the American Association of Orthodontics- AAO) can be found by visiting www.trapezio.com/

Good luck!

Hi, if you don't mind how much usually is the rate of ortho assistant per hour.

I believe is between 18 to 20 per hr

bren08 in St Paul, Minnesota said: Hi, Can anyone tell me about the schools in the Twin Cities area? I've checked Dakota Technical and there are over 70 people on the waiting list. Has anyone gone to Herzing? I think it's the old lakeland dental academy. They have a one year program and are accredited by the ADA. I also wondered about the expanded fuctions part, can you take those courses after graduating from any program or just state? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

HI I just graduated from dakota county tech and my advice is to get on the waiting list now! it really doesnt take long and is going to be just as long at all the other schools and they are more expensive! Take your generals the first year and by the next fall you will be able to start the program, there are so many people who cancel on the waiting list before you you will be surprised! i Have no experience in ortho but i did my externship at one and they hired me! I graduated may 2010. I start out at 18.50 an hour at an office in eagan. Its worth it believe me. As for the expanded functions part.. its part of the program and you have to take it through school. Just go and get signed up go through the application process right away! 3 of my friends started this aug and they couldnt be happier!Good luck! also make sure you save about 500 bucks for tests and dont wait to take them.. take them as soon as the teachers ok it.

bren08 in St Paul, Minnesota said: Hi, Can anyone tell me about the schools in the Twin Cities area? I've checked Dakota Technical and there are over 70 people on the waiting list. Has anyone gone to Herzing? I think it's the old lakeland dental academy. They have a one year program and are accredited by the ADA. I also wondered about the expanded fuctions part, can you take those courses after graduating from any program or just state? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

HI I just graduated from dakota county tech and my advice is to get on the waiting list now! it really doesnt take long and is going to be just as long at all the other schools and they are more expensive! Take your generals the first year and by the next fall you will be able to start the program, there are so many people who cancel on the waiting list before you you will be surprised! i Have no experience in ortho but i did my externship at one and they hired me! I graduated may 2010. I start out at 18.50 an hour at an office in eagan. Its worth it believe me. As for the expanded functions part.. its part of the program and you have to take it through school. Just go and get signed up go through the application process right away! 3 of my friends started this aug and they couldnt be happier!Good luck! also make sure you save about 500 bucks for tests and dont wait to take them.. take them as soon as the teachers ok it.

I am Dental Assistant but I will like to get specialize in Ortho...Does anybody know where, beside Trapezio, can I get trainning in WPB, FL??? Thanks

i hope the american association of orthodontist changes the term othodontic assistant to othodontic therapist. i'm sick of people thinking all we do is suck spit and put a bibs on patients!!! by the way the term in uk is orthodontic therapist go look it up!!!

Your point is well taken. But in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, a Dental Therapist has the education and training just short of a dentist. They can do many dental procedures in a public health care setting without direct supervision of a dentist. They are often government employees and if they are not must carry their own malpractice insurance.

We (Trapezio/Acad. of Orthodontic Assisting) have for a couple years been encouraging the AAO to adopt the term Orthodontic Technician for those who have taken advanced training in "assisting" orthodontists. Much like X-ray Technicians, Veterinary Technicians, Surgical Technicians, or Ultrasound Technicians. They have specialized training to conduct certain tasks under the supervision and malpractice coverage of a doctor. Makes a lot of sense. But they haven't got the message yet.

yes they do have dental therapist in the uk but, they also have orthodontic therapist to first class was started in 2008 please go look it up thanks... by the way Dr Depew your training is great love trapezio one of the best i must say !!!

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Orthodontic therapists are registered dental professionals who carry certain parts of orthodontic treatment under prescription and close supervision of a dentist, who is an orthodontist on the Specialist Orthodontic register of the GDC.

Orthodontic therapists:
•clean and prepare tooth surfaces ready for orthodontic treatment
•identify, select, use and maintain appropriate instruments
•insert passive removable orthodontic appliances
•insert active removable orthodontic appliances adjusted by a dentist
•remove fixed appliances, orthodontic adhesives and cement
•take impressions
•pour, cast and trim study models
•make a patient's orthodontic appliance safe in the absence of a dentist
•fit orthodontic headgear
•fit orthodontic facebows which have been adjusted by a dentist
•take occlusal records including orthognathic facebow readings
•place brackets and bands
•prepare, insert, adjust and remove archwires
•give advice on appliance care and oral health instruction
•fit tooth separators
•fit bonded retainer
•make appropriate referrals to other healthcare professionals.
Additional skills which orthodontic therapists could develop during their career include:
•applying fluoride varnish to the prescription of a dentist
•repairing the acrylic component part of orthodontic appliances
•measuring and recording plaque indices and gingival indices
•removing sutures after the wound has been checked by a dentist
Orthodontic therapists do not:
•remove sub-gingival deposits
•give local analgesia
•re-cement cro

sorry if i seem like a smart azz i'm really not i just like to look up stuff in other countries to see what they have and do that are diff then the united states u would be amazed .. its crazy it's like were kinda behind ouch yikes i hate saying wait typing that ....lol . who knew , a vain finder but i dont see phlebotomist tech using them !!! sorry i'm just going on and on!!!

I like that you have an inquiring mind! There certainly is a mess in the way different jurisdictions have requirements for training and certification, and titles for those who assist orthodontists. Believe it or not, it is similarly confusing right here in the good old USA from state to state. Look at California. What a mess they have created!
But to make this a bit clearer, in the British Commonwealth countries a Dental Therapist must go through a lengthy program much like Dental Hygiene. It is a college degree. They also have Dental Nurses which must go through a year or more program. Dental Nurses would be analogous to our Registered Dental Assistants. In the UK to be an Orthodontic Therapist takes ANOTHER year of college/technical education - and you already have had to go through schooling to be a Dental Nurse, Dental Therapist, Dental Hygienist, or Dental Technician. So it is more involved thenan it looks at first glance. So obviously, our British colleagues are way ahead of us in the US in demanding higher levels of education and training.
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=1908
www.gdc-uk.org/Our+work/Education+and+quality+assurance/Programmes+and+qualifications/Orthodontic+therapy.htm
Some states in the US have a designation of DA, which is an unregistered dental assistant. And that is what most orthodontic assistants are closest to since most have not had any college or technical school training in dentistry. So using the term Therapist for US orthodontic assistants in my mind would be inappropriate. I agree that the term Assistant is a bit of a misnomer based on the tasks you are delegated and trusted to perform. Which is why we feel Technician would be a more appropriate term to be in line with other areas of healthcare.
Interestingly, New Zealand a few years ago developed a new designation called Orthodontic Auxiliary which someone can achieve either through already being a Dental Nurse, Therapist, or Hygien

....got cut off. Too long I guess

Interestingly, New Zealand a few years ago developed a new designation called Orthodontic Auxiliary which someone can achieve either through already being a Dental Nurse, Therapist, or Hygienist AND taking the Trapezio course, OR already working for an orthodontist as a an assistant and taking the Trapezio course along with a Trapezio hands-on course administered by the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists. This option actually allows some folkes to bypass going through the Nurse, Therapy, or Hygiene program. Australia is actually looking at doing something similar.

www.dentalcouncil.org.nz/dcRegistrationOrthAuxGuide

so what do we do that dental nurses do that dental assistant dont do and what do orthodontic therapist do that a orthodontic assistant dont hmmmmmm an orthodontist on the Specialist Orthodontic register of the GDC.

Orthodontic therapists:
•clean and prepare tooth surfaces ready for orthodontic treatment
•identify, select, use and maintain appropriate instruments
•insert passive removable orthodontic appliances
•insert active removable orthodontic appliances adjusted by a dentist
•remove fixed appliances, orthodontic adhesives and cement
•take impressions
•pour, cast and trim study models
•make a patient's orthodontic appliance safe in the absence of a dentist
•fit orthodontic headgear
•fit orthodontic facebows which have been adjusted by a dentist
•take occlusal records including orthognathic facebow readings
•place brackets and bands
•prepare, insert, adjust and remove archwires
•give advice on appliance care and oral health instruction
•fit tooth separators
•fit bonded retainer
•make appropriate referrals to other healthcare professionals.
Additional skills which orthodontic therapists could develop during their career include:
•applying fluoride varnish to the prescription of a dentist
•repairing the acrylic component part of orthodontic appliances
•measuring and recording plaque indices and gingival indices
•removing sutures after the wound has been checked by a dentist
Orthodontic therapists do not:
•remove sub-gingival deposits
•give local analgesia
•re-cement cro

-

well i have done my research once again..lol dental assitants can do some of the scope practice of a dental nurse in the uk BUT, some of the dental assitant scope of pracitce here in the states a dental nurses can't... to me a dental nurse and a dental assitant same thing.. over sea some of the scope practice we can do, some not just like over sea !!! same with orthodontic assitant and orthodontic therapist.. the diff is over sea's better education program!!! the best thing to do is have Dr look at both scope of practice assistant and therapist!!! with in the ortho... but does agree with Dr,Depew i say its a hot mess here in the states..lol

lol.. late at night my english grammar and spelling isn't to hot. but anyways to many gray areas in the medical field. especially in dental assistant , orthodontic assistant . hemodialysis tech, surgical tech list could go on and on.. and its diff from state to state!!

Host said: How did you get your start doing orthodontic assistant work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

smile in Brooklyn, New York said: Hello, I actually just started out with zero dental back ground in an office. I am now an office manager to a practice in NYC after 7 years of on the job experience. Apply for all your local Dentist office and tell them you are on a waiting list and wanted to get your foot in the door. Most respect that! I hire assistants with zero experence all the time, I can train them my way and we pay for them to take all there exams and certifications. Most office need you to be there a centain amout of time to take the test, so soak up all the info and bear with the very low wages in the beginning. Everyone has to start somewhere so you will be making decent money in a few years. I am now manager and making more than most of the people who went to school in my office. You show them how eager you are to learn and they will invest in you!

Hopefully the corp that u work 4 ! Won't replace u with a new mgr trainee or replace u with some one with a business degree .

I am a dental hygienist, and have been interested in taking the ortho assisting schooling...the office I am in has an orthodontist, and they have merged with Pickron, and I have heard they have a school, but Dr. Depew had a school few years ago..does anyone know if he still has the school?

Dr. Depew does still have the orthodontic assisting program. He is the Founder/Academic Director of Trapezio-Home of the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting. The program is now online and is go at your own pace, so you can study at a time that works best for you. You can attend a hands-on retreat as well.
The Academy of Orthodontic Assisting Level 1 program is also endorsed by the American Association of Orthodontists.
You can visit www.trapezio.com to learn more about the program and the retreats.