Orthodontic Assistant at Garn and Mason Orthodontics bei Specialty Dental Brands-AZ

Description

Job Title

Orthodontic Assistant

Location

Mesa, Arizona
Garn & Mason Orthodontics

Position Summary

The Orthodontic Assistant assists the orthodontist in all phases of patient orthodontic treatment, ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality care. The role includes clinical (chairside) support, patient education, administrative tasks, and maintaining a sterile, organized work environment.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Clinical / Chairside Assistance

• Assist the orthodontist during bonding, wire changes, adjustments, bracket placement, ligation, activation, debonding, and repairs
   
• Prepare patients (isolation, drying, fitting appliances, etching, bonding)
   
• Take orthodontic impressions, intraoral scans, and perform model work
   
• Take, develop, and evaluate dental / cephalometric / panoramic X-rays (as permitted by law)
   
• Place, adjust, and remove archwires, elastics, separators, and other appliances
   
• Monitor patient compliance and provide guidance on appliance usage
   
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain instruments and equipment conforming to infection-control protocols
   
• Troubleshoot minor appliance issues (loose brackets, poking wires) under supervision
   

Patient Education & Communication

• Instruct patients and caregivers on proper oral hygiene, appliance care, and compliance
   
• Provide pre- and post-treatment instructions and reminders
   
• Answer patient questions (within scope) and follow up on concerns
   
• Reinforce doctor’s instructions and ensure patient understanding
   

Administrative / Office Support

• Maintain patient charts, records, and update treatment progress (charting, transcribing doctor notes)
   
• Schedule or confirm appointments, follow up on missed visits
   
• Coordinate with front office on billing, authorizations, and insurance as needed
   
• Order, monitor, and manage orthodontic supplies and inventory
   
• Assist with sterilization logs, equipment maintenance, and compliance documentation
   
• Ensure operatories and common areas are clean, organized, and well stocked
   

Compliance & Safety

• Follow all health, safety, radiation, and infection control policies
   
• Maintain certifications (e.g. radiology, CPR) as required
   
• Adhere to state dental board or regulatory guidelines
   
• Report any equipment malfunctions or safety issues promptly
   
• Participate in continuing education and training
   

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
   
• Dental assisting training or experience, preferably in orthodontics
   
• Certification or licensure per Arizona state requirements (e.g. radiology certification, RDA, etc.)
   
• CPR / BLS certification
   
• Proficiency in dental / orthodontic software (e.g. practice management, imaging systems)
   
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
   
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work in a fast-paced environment
   
• Detail oriented and precise when working with small instruments
   
• Friendly, patient-focused, professional demeanor
   
• Ability to work as part of a team
   

Preferred:

• 1–3 years of orthodontic assisting experience
   
• Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) credential
   
• Familiarity with digital scanning (e.g. iTero, 3Shape)
   
• Experience with 3D printing / model fabrication
   
• Experience managing inventory and ordering supplies
   

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Mostly clinic setting, working chairside
   
• Standing for long periods, bending, stooping, reaching
   
• Fine motor skills to handle small instruments
   
• Use of protective gear (gloves, masks, eye protection)
   
• Occasional lifting (up to ~25 lbs)
   
• Exposure to dental materials, disinfectants, radiation (under safety protocols)
   

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage / salary
   
• Health, dental, vision insurance
   
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
  
• Retirement plan / 401(k) matching
   
• Career advancement opportunities