Many dental assistants start their careers in general dentistry, but there are exciting growth opportunities in alternative fields. Professionals who seek a shift often wonder if dental assistants can move into orthodontic practices.
The answer is yes, emphatically. Orthodontists rely on skilled assistants to help keep their clinics running efficiently. Orthodontics offers a challenging career that also brings great satisfaction for those seeking such opportunities.
While general dentistry covers a variety of procedures, orthodontics is largely concerned with correcting misalignment. This specialization changes your daily routine and shifts the pace of your workday.
What an Orthodontic Assistant Does
Orthodontic assistants perform many duties that differ from those of a traditional dental clinic. Instead of prepping for fillings or root canals, you work with braces, wires, and clear aligners. On any given day, you will place brackets on teeth, change archwires, and fit orthodontic bands.
You also take specialized X-rays and generate digital 3D scans of patients’ mouths. Patients typically return every couple of weeks for adjustments, so you really get to make deep connections with them over time. You get to observe their improvement firsthand, and it is incredibly satisfying.
A Fast-Paced but Structured Environment
Many people wonder about the stress levels in an orthodontic practice. General dental offices often handle unpredictable emergencies, like a patient with a sudden, severe toothache. Orthodontic practices operate differently.
Most appointments are quick, scheduled adjustments. You know exactly who is walking through the door and what they need. This arrangement helps keep workplace stress levels lower since each day operates on a set schedule.
However, it is also very dynamic, with orthodontists usually seeing many patients in just one afternoon session, particularly after school time. You have to switch between chairs at a brisk pace.
If you enjoy a dynamic environment, this fast pace helps the day go by quickly. It keeps the work exciting without the chaotic stress of dental emergencies.
Special Training and Regulations
The rules for what a dental assistant can legally do vary by state. In general dentistry, you already possess a strong foundation in infection control, patient care, and basic dental anatomy. To work in orthodontics, you will need to learn specialized skills.
Some states require a specific certification, like the Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) designation. Other states allow you to learn these techniques directly on the job under the supervision of the orthodontist.
Learning these new skills increases your job possibilities no matter where you live and makes you a far more valuable professional in the dental industry.
Start Your New Career Journey
To step into a specialist subject like orthodontics, you need to have the necessary foundation. Infuse Dental Assistant School will give you the hands-on training and real-world information to succeed in any dental setting.
The comprehensive curricula get you ready to tackle the quick pace of current practices with confidence. Call us today at (219) 224-6467 and learn how to develop a fulfilling career in dentistry.