Download Dental Assistants in Orthodontics

Dental Assistants in Orthodontics
Dental Assistants are becoming more and more popular in the area of
orthodontics. This is due to new technology for orthodontics as well as
the increase in the number of children and adults seeking orthodontic
care. Dental Assistants normally complete a variety of duties including
sterilizing dental tools and assisting both Dentists and Hygienist with
procedures. This generally entails sitting in on such procedures,
handing the staff the necessary tools and equipment as the procedure
it taking place. Dental Assistants may also find themselves assisting
with lab work.
The role of Dental Assistant in the area of Orthodontics is different.
They will generally still be responsible for sterilizing all dental tools.
However, they will have more hands on work inside the mouth of the
patient. These tasks include fixing loose brackets, changing rubber
bands, and tightening wires. Many Dental Assistants love working in
orthodontics because of the hands on work they get to do with the
patient. They also enjoy getting to see the patient every few weeks
from the beginning of the process until the end. Generally individuals
wear braces for two years or longer.
Being a Dental Assistant in an orthodontic setting is not something
that is commonly taught in a Dental Assistant program. It is a specific
area of specialization, and most Dental Assistant programs are
designed to give you an understanding of the basic elements of
dentistry only.
Most training for Dental Assistants in the area of orthodontics takes
place on the job. Generally, by having another Dental Assistant walk
you through the process, then watching you perform it on actual
patients. This can be intimidating for some Dental Assistants as they
are used to learning by observing in the dental field rather than taking
on the task at hand. Other Dental Assistants thrive in this type of
learning environment, enabling them to really excel in the orthodontic
field.
With the use of Dental Assistants, many orthodontic offices are
meeting the demand for treatment in a very unique way. Dental
Assistants are set up to specialize in a particular area of the
orthodontic process. Many patients are scheduled for the same
appointment time, and then dispersed to various dental assistants
depending on their needs.
For example, one such dental facility has all patients sign in to see the
Orthodontist first. He quickly reviews their progress, documents the
chart, and puts the chart into a file on the wall. Dental Assistants come
here to pull the charts of those in their slot on the wall. There are
Dental Assistants to take X-Rays and to make adjustments. These
adjustments include adjusting wires and changing rubber bands. Other
Dental Assistants perform repairs including changing brackets and
removing excess cement on the teeth. There are also Dental Assistants
to remove the braces and others to take the molds for retainers.
Once the patient has seen the necessary Dental Assistant based on the
needs that should be addressed during that visit, the patient is taken
back to the area where they first signed in. They again see the dentist
who reviews the work completed by the Dental Assistant. The Dentist
will record necessary notes on the chart including when the patient
should be seen again. The patient then takes their chart to the
reception area, schedules an appointment, and they are on their way.
This method has proven to be fast and effective. It is well organized,
like worker ants doing their part to make it all flow well.
The advantage to this type of system is that more patients can be
seen on a daily basis. Therefore, the cost of treatment is often
reduced. However, patients will find themselves seen by numerous
Dental Assistants over the course of their treatment. Many Dental
Assistants enjoy working in the area of orthodontics. They like the
hands on interaction with the patients as well as providing quality care
to those in need of orthodontic procedures.
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