Dental Assistant - Orthodontist

Lightwave Dental•Richmond, VA

About The Position

At River Run Dental Spa in Richmond, our dentists are a collection of the best, and we aren’t the only ones who think so. In fact, our dental spa is consistently voted a Richmond favorite by other local dental professionals as well as the general public. We invest in our doctors and staff so that they can continually provide exceptional care for their patients. Position Summary: The job of an orthodontic clinical assistant is to ensure that each patient consistently receives outstanding, individualized service at each treatment appointment.

Requirements

Dental x-ray certification

Responsibilities

Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of each clinical day engaged and ready to participate in team morning meeting
Ensure that patients have an excellent experience by providing care in a patient-friendly environment. This includes bringing patients back on time for their scheduled appointment and greeting and acknowledging each patient by name at the treatment appointment
The goal of the assistant is to, over time, get to know the patients and interact with families on an individual level (i.e. team member remembers things about each patient)
Serve as chairside clinical assistant, demonstrating proficiency in all areas of orthodontic assisting including, but not limited to, photographs, radiographs (panoramic and lateral cephalogram), impressions, digital scanning (iTero), reties, wire changes, initial bracket placement and bracket repositioning, expander placement/checks, aligner and retainer delivery and checks, and Essix retainer fabrication
Demonstrate proficiency in orthodontic language and terminology such that clinical assistant can type chart notes using the terms and abbreviations used by the practice
Demonstrate proficiency in orthodontic practice management software such that assistant can schedule next visit chairside and cover telephone to help the administrative team when necessary
Efficiently run clinical chair to see 12-15 patients per day in a timely manner
Provide instructions to patients/parents throughout orthodontic treatment
This includes initial expander instructions, adjustment to braces instructions, oral hygiene instructions at the start of and throughout treatment, initial aligner instructions, and retainer instructions
Assist in instrument sterilization via cold sterile, dry-heat, and autoclave methods
Work with other team members, both clinical and administrative, to help the day run smoothly
Any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the doctor