Welcome Orthodontic Team Members!

The PCSO would like to recognize the amazing women and men that make an orthodontic office function.  This webpage is dedicated to providing resources for you.  We will continually add new videos, tear sheets and resources, so please check back frequently.

  • DISCLAIMER: This Facebook page is independent of the Pacific Coast of Orthodontists. The opinions expressed on this Facebook page are the author’s own and do not reflect the views or recommendations of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. Further, we do not endorse any particular product or procedure, nor do we accept any responsibility or liability for the implementation or usage of products and procedures described on this Facebook page.

• Download the PCSO Orthodontic Team Member Brochure

This brochure can be printed and posted in your office, high school career centers, and local junior colleges or vocational/dental assisting schools. Feel free to place your logo on the back panel to personalize it for you.

Our favorite team members resources from the AAO:

• Orthodontic Staff Career Opportunities PowerPoint Presentation →
The AAO has created a PowerPoint presentation that can be used by orthodontists, high schools, career centers and vocational schools.

• AAO Ortho Staff Club →
The AAO Orthodontic Staff Club is open to all orthodontic staff — from lab and chairside assistants to administrative personnel. The AAO will only consider applications from those staff members who have their employing doctors’ approval to join. The AAO Orthodontic Staff Club annual fee is $25 per practice covering an unlimited number of staff; the membership year runs from June 1 through May 31. The membership fee is not pro-rated.

• AAO endorsed staff training program 
An AAO Endorsed Staff Training Program provides a core foundation in subjects essential to the clinical chairside assistant.



Career opportunities in an orthodontic office:

What are the different team opportunities?

Serves as a liaison between new patients and the orthodontist with a goal of helping potential new clients consulting the orthodontist to make a commitment to beginning orthodontic treatment.

Assists the orthodontist with treatment; prepares and maintains orthodontic instruments, supplies, and equipment; collects and records patient health histories; takes photos, x-rays, scans, and impressions; educates patients about oral health and overall health; assists with the placement/removal of orthodontic appliances; and instructs patients in appliance care.

Enters patient contracts, sets up payment arrangements, reviews contracts, tracks payments, and collects past due accounts.

Operates and maintains all autoclaves, ultrasonic units, and pre-soak stations; sterilizes instruments, hand pieces, and procedure set-ups.

Develops and executes marketing strategies to help grow the practice; plans and executes community events to promote the practice.

Runs the in-house lab at the practice; fabricates retainers, diagnostic, and therapeutic digital or physical models.

Greets patients; answers a multi-line phone; schedules appointments for patients in office and over the phone; verifies insurance benefits; and assists with practice marketing efforts and contests.



How do I know which job would be best for me?

• Contact your local orthodontist and ask to shadow in his/her office
• Submit a resume or fill out an application if there is an opening
• Speak to the current team members
• Follow them on Facebook/Instagram, get a feeling for what they are all about

How do I find an orthodontic office?

The American Association of Orthodontists has a resource to find out all the orthodontists near you.

How do I become a dental assistant?

Each state or province has different requirements.
• Alaskahttps://goo.gl/8GKtfE
There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting.
• Alberta | https://secure.abrda.org/
• Arizona | https://dentalboard.az.gov/
There are no education or training requirements for this level of dental assisting.
• British Columbiahttps://www.cdabc.org/
• Californiahttps://goo.gl/GSwezQ
California has two different programs that can lead to dental assisting.
• Hawaiihttp://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/dentist/
There are no radiography requirements for dental assistants in the state of Hawaii.
• Idahohttp://isbd.idaho.gov/pdf/DA%20Info.pdf
There are no license requirements in the state of Idaho.
• Nevadahttp://dental.nv.gov/Licensure/Dental_Assistants/
• Oregonhttp://www.oregon.gov/dentistry/Pages/d_assist.aspx
• Saskatchawanhttp://www.sdaa.sk.ca/
• Washingtonhttps://goo.gl/P7SlUS