Ortho Dental Assistant

Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry•Cary, NC

6h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced, dependable chairside Ortho Dental Assistant who supports orthodontic procedures and helps patients have a positive experience. The role combines clinical assisting with patient communication and schedule management. The assistant explains treatment recommendations and costs, discusses insurance and payment options, schedules follow-up visits, confirms appointments, fills schedule openings, and coordinates with the front desk. This is a hands-on, in-person position requiring consistent attendance, professionalism, teamwork, and focus on patient care. The position involves extended chairside work and repeated bending, reaching, and fine-motor tasks. It also includes exposure to blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials, with required protective equipment and safety protocols. The hiring process includes a phone screen, an in-office working interview, reference checks, and a background check. New team members complete a 90-day introductory period.

Requirements

1–3+ years of chairside dental assisting experience.
Experience presenting treatment plans and discussing financial arrangements with patients.
Experience scheduling treatment chairside, confirming appointments, and managing a provider schedule.
Working knowledge of dental insurance and procedure terminology.
Radiography certification or state-required credentials for North Carolina.
Current CPR/BLS certification, or willingness to obtain it.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of chairside work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Reliable, regular, predictable, and punctual attendance for the full scheduled shift.
Ability to stay engaged and focused on patients during in-person care.
Positive, professional attitude and receptiveness to feedback.
Team-oriented approach, open communication, and willingness to help colleagues.
Comfort discussing costs clearly and confidently.
Ability to schedule from the chair, confirm appointments, and address open schedule slots.
Ability to maintain appropriate personal hygiene, grooming, and clean scrubs each shift.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, often four or more hours at a time.
Ability to bend, lean, twist, and reach over patients repeatedly.
Fine motor control and steady grip for passing instruments, suctioning, mixing materials, and taking impressions.
Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements throughout procedures.
Close-range vision, including detail, depth, and color perception.
Ability to hear and respond to the dentist and patients while masked and around equipment noise.
Ability to speak clearly to instruct patients and explain treatment.
Ability to lift, carry, and move supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to move quickly between operatories, sterilization, and the front office.
Ability to wear required protective equipment for the full shift.
Ability to work with exposure to blood, saliva, radiation, disinfectants, and dental materials while following safety protocols.
Provide at least two supervisor references; offers are contingent on satisfactory reference and background checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Denticon practice management software.

Responsibilities

Assist the orthodontist chairside during orthodontic procedures and support an efficient clinical workflow and positive patient experience.
Take radiographs and impressions, and maintain accurate charts.
Set up, break down, and turn over operatories on schedule.
Sterilize instruments and follow OSHA and infection-control standards.
Present treatment plans and explain the doctor’s recommendations in plain language.
Discuss fees, insurance estimates, and payment or financing options with patients.
Schedule patients’ next visits before they leave the chair.
Confirm upcoming appointments by phone and text.
Fill schedule openings and cancellations, and follow up on unscheduled treatment.
Coordinate patient handoffs with the front desk.
Support teammates as needed.