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Orthodontic Assistant Resume Examples

With only 35% of adults in the U.S. born with naturally straight teeth, it’s no wonder that job openings for orthodontic and other dental assistants were increasing much faster than average in 2019. To get a job in this competitive field, use LiveCareer’s orthodontic assistant resume examples to see how to write, organize and design your own document.

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Orthodontic Assistant Resume Sample Chronological Customize This Resume

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What is a Orthodontic Assistant ?

Orthodontic assistants don’t just hand tools to a dentist; they are oral health care professionals themselves. They work in dental offices where they prep materials and assist with procedures to straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites. Like general dentistry assistants, orthodontic assistants also work directly with patients, taking X-rays, creating impressions of the teeth and adjusting braces. A recent survey of dentists and dental office managers indicated that assistants are valued members of the team who make their practices more sanitary and productive and who turn patients into loyal customers.

What Makes This a Great
Orthodontic Assistant Resume Example?

LiveCareer helps you get the job you want by providing examples of the best resumes. Each contains the following:

  • Expertly written text: Our examples make it easy to find the right words to describe your qualifications. Feel free to borrow phrases like “serves an able and adept role during every procedure” and “well-suited to face every orthodontic challenge” for use on your own resume. Or, use our Resume Builder, which will make pre-written content suggestions for every section of your resume.
  • Appropriate format: The combination format used in this example is best for a mid-career orthodontic assistant with a consistent work history in the field. An applicant with gaps in employment could instead use a functional resume format to emphasize skills such as extractions and tooth retrieval. Or, highly experienced job seekers could consider a chronological resume format.
  • Suitable resume templates: LiveCareer has dozens of templates, allowing you to cater your resume to each potential employer. The traditional template shown here is a good choice for most orthodontist offices, while a more colorful resume template may be a better pick for a pediatric dentist.

3 Orthodontic Assistant Professional Summary Examples

Writing your professional summary is easy when you use our resume examples for inspiration. Simply put together three to five sentences that describe your experience and aspirations, and then add details to make them your own. Or, use our Resume Builder which will recommend custom professional summary suggestions. Check out these three great examples:

  1. DANB-certified orthodontic assistant with 8 years of experience in a busy orthodontist practice. Competent in all aspects of the profession, from laboratory work to patient care. Maintains positive outlook no matter the situation.
  2. Pediatric orthodontic assistant with a passion for helping children ages 4 to 18 take care of their teeth. Adept at calming patient nerves and educating parents. Assisted with dental exams at six elementary schools as part of community outreach program.
  3. Aspiring orthodontic assistant looking for opportunity to put my detail-oriented nature to work in a health care setting. Associate degree in health science with 4.0 grade point average. Strong interest in all things dental and a desire for on-the-job training to learn more.

3 Orthodontic Assistant Work Experience Examples

Study our resume examples to learn how to describe your duties as an orthodontic assistant in a way that emphasizes your competence as a medical professional. Written by certified resume writers, our work experience bullet points can be customized to fit your needs. Add metrics to personalize the content. Here are a few examples of work experience bullet points you might consider for your resume:

  1. Sanitized chairs and dental tools in four procedure rooms, assisted orthodontist, and provided patient care and information after procedures.
  2. Improved expiration date tracking capabilities of hundreds of pieces of medical equipment by updating inventory from Excel to Bellwether software system.
  3. Provided care for 10 or more patients daily by recording vital statistics, taking X-rays, casting molds, and adjusting dental hardware according to orthodontist’s instructions

Top Skills for Your Orthodontic Assistant Resume

Orthodontic assistants need to have a good mix of hard and soft skills. Our resume examples show you how to include both on your resume effectively. Consider adding these in-demand hard and soft skills to your orthodontic assistant resume:

Hard Skills

  • Creation of removable appliances 
  • Digital X-rays
  • Oral photography
  • Orthodontic hardware adjustment

Soft Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Following instructions
  • Remaining calm under pressure
  • Patience with children

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Orthodontic Assistant FAQs

What are the duties of an orthodontic assistant?

Orthodontic assistants have duties before, during and after dental procedures. Before a procedure, they work behind the scenes to sterilize dental equipment and do preliminary work such as taking vital signs and X-rays. During a procedure, they help the orthodontist or perform adjustments to patient appliances without direct supervision. Afterward, they educate patients about caring for their teeth and orthodontics. Other duties include stocking equipment or doing office work.

What is the average pay for an orthodontic assistant?

The mean salary for all types of dental assistants in the United States is $40,080 per year as of 2019, with a range of $27,980 to $56,930. States with the lowest average pay include West Virginia, Mississippi and Utah, and those with the highest are Minnesota, Alaska and New Hampshire. In addition, most dental assistants receive benefits such as medical insurance and a retirement plan.

How do I train to be an orthodontic assistant?

A college degree is not typically required to become an orthodontic assistant. However, obtaining a certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board improves your chances of getting a good job. Some states and government agencies require this certification, so it is a good idea to check the regulations where you live.