Dental Assistant (Ortho)

Orthodontic Assistant Position

Shine Ortho Studio is part of Dental Excellence Group - a growing, privately held multi-million company that offers patient-focused, high-quality dentistry in the Northwest Ohio area. There are over 100 employees, including doctors, hygienists, clinical assistants, and business and marketing support teams. The company's mission is to create a place where dental care is so friendly, comfortable, and convenient, it completely changes the way people think about dentistry.

The practice has five core values; a teamwork focus, a patients first mentality, with the patients' comfort and care our #1 priority. We value kindness and compassion, both within our team and with our patients. We also have an unwavering standard of excellence, challenging all team members to meet their God given potential in attitude, skill, and service. Our final core value is making every minute count, driving performance and efficiency.

The Orthodontic Assistant reports directly to the Practice Administrator. The primary mission of this role is to cultivate strong patient relationships and collaborate effectively with the orthodontist to optimize clinical production. Key objectives include executing precise bonding and debonding procedures, performing clinical adjustments, seating appliances, and ensuring treatment timelines remain on schedule by consistently booking subsequent appointments. The ideal candidate possesses deep foundational knowledge of dentistry and orthodontics, demonstrating the capability to support the orthodontist across an advanced range of clinical procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Reception: Seat patients promptly and ensure physical comfort throughout the visit.
• History Verification: Review and update patient health histories, alerting the orthodontist to any changes.
• Operatory Readiness: Prepare the treatment room and all required instruments prior to the orthodontist's arrival.
• Chairside Assistance: Provide efficient, proactive assistance during a wide variety of orthodontic procedures.

Diagnostics, Documentation & Lab Management

• Radiography: Capture accurate, high-quality diagnostic x-rays.
• Case Tracking: Verify the arrival of all laboratory cases and log them properly utilizing EasyRX software.
• Clinical Records: Complete comprehensive, accurate clinical notes daily within the patient's WAVE chart.
• Digital Scanning: Utilize iTero technology proficiently, completing patient scans within the 7-minute benchmark.
• Lab Execution: Take and pour impressions, fabricate and trim retainers, and execute general laboratory work.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain a clean, organized laboratory area that strictly adheres to OSHA standards.

Clinic Maintenance & Practice Growth

• Inventory Control: Monitor supply levels, update the ordering list, and restock treatment rooms efficiently.
• Patient Education: Clearly communicate post-treatment care and procedural information to patients.
• Sanitation: Sterilize instruments and maintain rigorous organization within the sterilization area.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and upkeep on clinical equipment.
• Strategic Contributions: Participate in open team communication and drive quarterly Level 10 individual "Rocks."

Key Competencies

• Customer Focus: Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of patients.
• Oral Communication: Expresses clinical ideas and instructions clearly and effectively.
• Teamwork: Collaborates seamlessly across clinical and administrative departments.
• Organization & Planning: Prioritizes tasks efficiently to manage clinic flow.
• Initiative & Resourcefulness: Demonstrates a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Excellence & Integrity: Holds oneself to high professional, ethical, and clinical standards.
• Adaptability & Stress Management: Performs reliably in a fast-paced, dynamic clinical environment.
• Active Listening: Gives full attention to patient concerns and clinician instructions.
• Professional Presence: Combines intelligence, assertiveness, enthusiasm, and natural likability.