How To Become An Orthodontic Assistant: What It Is and Career Path

What is an orthodontic assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Aaron Benitez CDA, RDA, RDHAP, MSDH,

Manish Valiathan

An orthodontic assistant is a specialized dentistry assistant who helps dentists treat patients using dental health procedures. They also specialize in the prevention of certain dental issues. Orthodontic assistants are also sometimes referred to as orthodontic hygienists.

Common tasks and responsibilities of the role include taking x-rays of patients' mouths, adjusting braces, cleaning patients' teeth, making adjustments to dental gear, making teeth impressions, pouring up and trimming patient molds, and assisting orthodontists in the event of dental emergencies.

Some orthodontic assistants also work in an administrative capacity, doing things like keeping and retrieving patient records and taking stock of and replenishing dental inventory.

Orthodontic assistants most often work in private dental practices, but also may work in hospitals, medical clinics, and emergency dental health care facilities. They work alongside dentists, orthodontists, dental assistants, x-ray technicians, dental administrators and clerks, and other industry-related professionals.

Common skills associated with this role include communication, attention to detail, teamwork, and organization. Most orthodontic assistants are also very adept with hand-eye coordination, this comes into play when working on a patient's teeth and mouth.

Certain states require those wanting to be orthodontic assistants to have a formal education in either an associate's or bachelor's degree capacity. Some also require the obtainment of certifications to be eligible for the role. While other states accept on-the-job training in apprenticeship programs as the only experience, training, and education requirement.

What general advice would you give to an orthodontic assistant?

Aaron Benitez CDA, RDA, RDHAP, MSDH

Dental Assisting Faculty, Articulation Officer, Website

In California, it is an exciting time to be a Dental Assistant. The industry has been gradually adding more technologically advanced procedures like 3-D printing, intra-oral scanning, along with Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance. A Dental Assistant needs to possess the traditional knowledge to be able to learn these new advanced procedures. In order to make themselves more competitive, the Dental Assistant must possess the knowledge and hands-on experience of these new procedures.
Also, since in California the minimum wage is increasing beyond the amount that a starting Dental Assistant could potentially earn, learning new advanced techniques is more relevant.

ScoreOrthodontic AssistantUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $49,768

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.8

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 7.95%

Black or African American 8.04%

Hispanic or Latino 22.16%

Unknown 5.07%

White 56.02%

Gender

female 91.57%

male 8.43%

Age - 36

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36

Stress level

6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.4

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an orthodontic assistant

Explore orthodontic assistant education requirements

Most common orthodontic assistant degrees

Associate

23.3 %

Bachelor's

22.8 %

High School Diploma

20.4 %

Start to develop specific orthodontic assistant skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	37.97%
HIPAA	5.58%
Patient Care	5.18%
Chair Side	5.03%
Infection Control	5.02%

Complete relevant orthodontic assistant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New orthodontic assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an orthodontic assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real orthodontic assistant resumes.

Gain additional orthodontic assistant certifications

Orthodontic assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific orthodontic assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for orthodontic assistants include Dental Assistant (RDA) and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

More About Certifications

Research orthodontic assistant duties and responsibilities

Assist in intravenous sedation, prepare syringes with proper medication, placement of EKG leads, record and monitor during procedures.
Monitor patients under iv sedation.
Deliver invisalign aligners and place attachments on patients.
Assist in orthodontics including taking pictures, panoramic and impressions for invisalign and traditional braces.

Prepare your orthodontic assistant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your orthodontic assistant resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an orthodontic assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable orthodontic assistant resume templates

Build a professional orthodontic assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your orthodontic assistant resume.

Apply for orthodontic assistant jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an orthodontic assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do orthodontic assistants rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Orthodontic assistant reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019

Pros

Many many many things. The flexible schedules, the happy patients, the relationships you create with your patients and the lifelong bonds you make. You get to see the Joy and happiness flow off of them when their braces come off. It's so rewarding

Cons

Literally nothing