Orthodontic Dental Assistant - Southwest Pediatric Dental - Orland Park, IL

An Orthodontic Assistant is a specialized dental assistant who works chairside with an orthodontist to provide high-quality patient care during orthodontic treatment (braces, clear aligners, retainers, expanders, etc.). They play a critical role in both clinical and administrative tasks that keep the practice running efficiently and ensure excellent patient experiences. Key Responsibilities Clinical Duties Assist the orthodontist during procedures (bonding brackets, changing wires/archwires, placing separators, removing braces, taking impressions, etc.) Take digital or traditional dental impressions (alginate, PVS, intraoral scans with iTero, Trios, etc.) Capture intraoral and extraoral photographs, panoramic X-rays, cephalometric X-rays, and CBCT scans (as permitted by state law and certification) Fabricate and deliver clear aligners, retainers, and other appliances Place and remove orthodontic wires, ligatures, elastics, and power chains Perform preliminary procedures such as separator placement, sizing bands, and bonding attachments for aligners Sterilize instruments and maintain infection-control protocols (OSHA & CDC compliance) Provide patient education on oral hygiene with braces, aligner wear and care, dietary restrictions, and emergency care Monitor patient comfort and manage minor orthodontic emergencies (poking wires, loose brackets, etc.) Administrative & Laboratory Duties Schedule appointments and manage treatment coordination Update patient charts (clinical notes, progress photos, treatment plans) Prepare and maintain orthodontic records Pour and trim models, fabricate Essix or Hawley retainers in the in-house lab (if applicable) Inventory and order orthodontic supplies (brackets, wires, bands, elastics, etc.) Perform basic front-desk tasks when needed (answering phones, confirming appointments) Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: Employee discount Free parking On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Paid time off Paid training Work Location: In person

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