Orthodontist Assistant Jobs
The field of orthodontic assisting is growing at a blinding pace. If you would like to start a rewarding new career, orthodontist assistant jobs are waiting for you. These great jobs allow you to do satisfying work in a great environment while earning an average salary of around $40,000 a year. As an orthodontist assistant, you will work with patients who are receiving or wearing corrective dental gear, including braces. While working as an orthodontic assistant, you will take photos and x-rays of the mouth as well as adjust braces and take teeth impressions. If this sounds like the job for you, go back to college and get your career training for this great field.
Education and training for orthodontist assistant jobs
The first step toward working in orthodontist assistant jobs is to get formal training through a dental assisting program at a vocational school or community college. These programs are available at either a certificate or associate’s degree level. At the certificate level, you will learn the technical aspects of the job, which include dental materials, dental radiography, and chair-side assisting. Certificate programs last approximately one year.
If you wish to earn a higher salary in orthodontist assistant jobs, you may choose to earn an associate’s degree. Programs at this level take around two years and include a combination of technical training, clinical experience, and general education. Coursework in an associate’s degree program includes preventative dentistry, clinical practice procedures, dental emergencies, infection control, dental science, and advanced radiography. These programs also often require the complete of dental clinic internships or externships.
Licensure and certification
In many states, you will be unable to perform all of the functions of the job unless you become licensed. Licensure requirements vary from state to state and you can get information about your states regulations through the Dental Assistant National Board. Once licensed, you must earn continuing education credits on a regular basis to maintain your licensure.
You may also choose to get your certification through the Dental Assistant National Board. This program is voluntary and is available to those who have completed a minimum of 3500 hours of experience or who have satisfactorily completed an accredited dental assisting program. There are two certification exams, consisting of orthodontic assisting and infection control. Once certified, you must renew annually by maintaining CPR certification, paying a renewal fee, and completing 12 credit hours of continuing education.
Aside from the wonderful salary, orthodontist assistant jobs provide many other benefits to those who choose them. They provide exceptional job security and a clean, organized professional working environment. They also offer stability and unsurpassed job security. Finally, they provide the satisfaction that comes with knowing that your work makes a real difference in the lives of those you serve. With all of these benefits, it is little wonder that many people consider these to be some of the top careers of today. If you have been considering going back to school to start a great new career, orthodontist assisting has it all.
