How to Be Orthodontic Office Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Orthodontic Office Assistant is a vital role in the success of an orthodontic practice. They are responsible for providing a wide range of services, including patient reception, filing, scheduling appointments, and much more. As a result, they are critical in ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the office.

Furthermore, their ability to provide exceptional customer service and handle administrative tasks makes them an essential asset to the practice. an Orthodontic Office Assistant must be knowledgeable about the latest technology and be able to multitask efficiently in order to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. Finally, having a background in the dental field can be a great asset to any orthodontic practice.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. Most entry-level positions in the orthodontic field require at least a high school diploma. If you dont have one, consider enrolling in an online program or taking night classes at your local community college.
Complete a Certified Orthodontic Assistant Program. There are several programs that offer certification for those interested in becoming an orthodontic assistant. These programs will teach you about topics such as patient care, dental procedures, and administrative tasks.
Get On-the-Job Training. Once you have completed the certification program, you can start looking for a job as an orthodontic office assistant. Most employers will provide you with on-the-job training, so you can learn the specific tasks required at their practice.
Obtain CPR Certification. Many employers prefer to hire orthodontic assistants who have current CPR certification. You can complete a CPR class at your local hospital, community college, or even online.
Consider Further Education. If you want to advance your career in the orthodontic field, you may want to consider taking additional courses in areas such as dental radiology, dental anatomy, and medical terminology. This could help you become a more valuable asset to your employer and increase your chances of promotion.

Working as an Orthodontic Office Assistant requires a great deal of hard work, dedication, and skill. It is a job that requires knowledge of the field, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to multi-task. To be an ideal and competent Orthodontic Office Assistant, one must be organized, have strong communication skills and be able to problem solve.

Being organized is important to ensure all appointments are properly scheduled and that medical records are kept clean and up-to-date. Strong communication skills are necessary to effectively communicate with patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team. Problem-solving skills are also important for effectively addressing patient concerns and resolving any issues that might arise.

Finally, having a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and procedures is essential for providing accurate information to patients. With these qualities, an Orthodontic Office Assistant can be an invaluable asset to any office.

You may want to check Dental Benefits Verification Specialist, Orthodontic Treatment Planner, and Orthodontic Scheduling Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Greet and welcome patients
Schedule appointments
Prepare patient charts
Answer phone calls and respond to patient inquiries
File and maintain patient records
Collect payments and process insurance claims
Prepare treatment rooms and sterilize instruments
Instruct patients on proper oral hygiene care
Take impressions and X-rays
Assist orthodontist with patient treatment plans
Monitor and manage patient progress
Provide patient education and support

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent organizational and communication skills
Knowledge of relevant dental software and technology
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
Familiarity with dental terminology and orthodontic procedures
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of dental insurance plans and billing processes
Well-developed interpersonal and customer service skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality

Having excellent communication skills is essential for success as an Orthodontic Office Assistant. Being able to communicate effectively with patients, staff members, and other healthcare professionals is key to a successful patient experience. Good communication allows for a smooth flow of information between the patient and the orthodontist, which contributes to the success of the patient's treatment.

creating a positive environment through polite and respectful interactions with patients and staff helps to build trust and rapport. Furthermore, strong organizational skills are also necessary for success in this field, as Orthodontic Office Assistants must be able to manage multiple tasks at once and stay organized in order to ensure that appointments and treatments are completed in a timely manner. Finally, having strong computer skills is also beneficial, as Orthodontic Office Assistants must be able to use software programs to accurately record and track patient information.

In summary, having excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills are essential for success as an Orthodontic Office Assistant.

Orthodontic Treatment Coordinator, Orthodontic Hygienist, and Pediatric Dentist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the dental field?
What skills do you have that make you a good candidate for this position?
How would you handle difficult patient interactions?
Describe a time you had to problem-solve a challenging situation in the workplace.
What are your thoughts on scheduling conflicts and how do you handle them?
How familiar are you with insurance and filing claims?
How would you handle an angry patient or parent?
How do you stay organized and ensure accuracy in your work?
Are you familiar with the different types of orthodontic treatments and procedures?
How do you stay up to date on best practices for office operations?

Common Tools in Industry

Patient Scheduling Software. A tool used to record and manage patient appointments and practice schedules. (eg: Dentrix)
Digital X-Ray Machine. A machine used to take digital x-rays of the patients mouth. (eg: Kodak RVG 6100)
Computer Imaging Software. A software program used to take pictures and video of the patients mouth for orthodontic analysis. (eg: OrthoCAD)
Records Management System. A system used to securely store patient records and provide access to authorized personnel. (eg: Open Dental)
Patient Educational Materials. Printed materials that provide information about orthodontic treatments, risks, and care. (eg: MySmile from American Association of Orthodontists)
Invisalign System. An appliance system used to straighten teeth through a series of custom-made aligners. (eg: Invisalign Teen)
Intraoral Scanner. A tool used to capture detailed digital images of the patients oral cavity. (eg: iTero Element Scanner)
3D Printing Machine. A machine used to create custom-made appliances like retainers and aligners. (eg: FormLabs Form2 3D Printer)
Bracket Placement System. A tool used to accurately place brackets on the teeth. (eg: Roth Bracket Placement System)
Orthodontic Analyzer Software. A software program used to analyze the patients facial profile and bite relationship. (eg: Ormco Analyzer)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Orthodontists
Southern Association of Orthodontists
American Board of Orthodontics
World Federation of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
Academy of Orthodontic Practice
International Association for Orthodontics
International Congress of Oral Implantologists
American Orthodontic Society

We also have Orthodontic Front Desk Receptionist, Orthodontic Clinical Assistant, and Public Health Dentist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Dental Imaging. The use of various imaging techniques such as radiographs and scans to create pictures of the teeth and surrounding tissues.
Plaque. A sticky layer of bacteria, food, and other particles that can accumulate on teeth and form cavities.
Occlusion. The way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the jaw is closed.
Braces. An orthodontic device used to straighten teeth and correct occlusion.
Retainers. A device used to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign. An orthodontic treatment using a series of clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into their desired position.
Bonding. A procedure in which a tooth-colored material is applied to the surface of the teeth to correct minor imperfections in the smile.
Orthodontic Appliance. A device used to correct or prevent dental irregularities. Examples include headgear, retainers, and expanders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become an Orthodontic Office Assistant?

To become an Orthodontic Office Assistant, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in customer service and/or office administration. Basic knowledge of medical terminology is also helpful for this role.

What duties does an Orthodontic Office Assistant perform?

As an Orthodontic Office Assistant, you will manage patient records, greet and check in patients, answer phones, schedule appointments, collect payments, and assist with other administrative tasks.

How much does an Orthodontic Office Assistant make per hour?

The average hourly wage for an Orthodontic Office Assistant is $15.59 per hour.

What type of environment does an Orthodontic Office Assistant work in?

Orthodontic Office Assistants typically work in a professional healthcare setting such as a dental office or orthodontic clinic.

What skills are needed to be successful as an Orthodontic Office Assistant?

Successful Orthodontic Office Assistants demonstrate excellent customer service skills, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Web Resources

What Do Orthodontic Assistants Do: Daily Work & Skills - Franklin www.franklin.edu
Orthodontist Assistant Certification | Enroll at Howard Academy howardacademy.edu
7 Steps for Becoming an Orthodontic Assistant - Howard Healthcare Ac howardacademy.edu