|
When you choose a career, you’re making a big commitment. For some, a career choice is something that comes easily. For others, it takes a lot more thought. No matter which is the case for you, you career choice should be made carefully and wisely. Ask yourself: will this career use my skills, knowledge and abilities? Will it match my personality and interests? Do I like working with a close-knit team? Will I enjoy the professional prestige and the satisfaction that comes when I know I am really helping others?
The orthodontic field is full of opportunities. Each career choice is personally and professionally satisfying. In each you’ll be a member of a special team which produces better oral health, enhanced self-esteem and beautiful smiles.
In addition to being able to manage your own career path (molding it to fit your lifestyle). . .and in addition to the financial rewards that come with a career in orthodontics. . .as a member of the orthodontic team you will be rewarded as you see someone’s smile change gradually before your eyes. As their teeth and jaws shift into alignment, patients’ personalities change too. Their self-confidence blossoms. Teens, men and women become ready to smile, to confidently meet the world face-first. Please, remember such rewards as you consider a career in orthodontics.
Within the dental profession, orthodontists are the specialists who are uniquely educated and qualified to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment. The term “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite,” or “facial disharmonies,” is used to describe the abnormalities treated by orthodontists.
Orthodontists deliver lifelong benefits to their patients. . . the kind of benefits that can improve physical and emotional health. They provide treatment that can prevent serious, costly health problems in later life.
The team leader is the orthodontist. But the successful orthodontic practice depends on a variety of other professional and clerical staff members, such as: - Treatment Coordinator
- Scheduling Coordinator
- Financial Administrator
- Clinical Coordinator
- Orthodontic Technician/Assistant
- Orthodontic Laboratory Technician
- Instrument Coordinator
Any way you go, orthodontics can put you on a career path that provides the satisfaction of helping patients improve their smiles, their dental health and their self-esteem. It’s a positive, upbeat career that lets you deal with generally healthy, motivated people who are on the road to better lives.
The various positions on the orthodontic team require different levels of education and experience. Ask an orthodontist for information regarding your career choices.
Here are a few examples of the type of work, education and skills for various positions:
-
Orthodontic Chairside Assistant—
Typical Responsibilities: assists the orthodontist with treatment, takes x-rays/records, educates the patient about oral health and overall health, serves as a key communication link between the patient and the doctor, prepares teeth for the placement of brackets, makes orthodontic wires, and instructs the patient. Orthodontic Assistants also play key roles motivating patients to do their part in achieving successful results from their treatment.
In this career choice, you will play a key role in motivating patients so they’ll do what needs to be done in order to achieve the very best results from their orthodontic treatment.
Requirements: high school diploma, customer service skills, excellent eye-hand coordination, computer skills (important in many practices for inputting patient records, computer imaging, etc.). Certification available (but not required). The orthodontist may arrange for special training.
-
Orthodontic Laboratory Technician—
Typical Responsibilities: prepare orthodontic study models, make orthodontic retainers, design appliances for tooth and bone movement, coordinate office needs with outside labs. The technician may also work with the orthodontist to develop skills for making new appliances.
Requirements: high school diploma, excellent eye-hand coordination, computer skills (important in many practices). Certification available (but not required). The orthodontist may arrange for special training.
-
Orthodontic Office Administrator
Typical Responsibilities: schedule appointments; clerical and bookkeeping duties; prepare financial arrangements for patients; phone contacts with patients, family dentists, other dental specialists and doctors; customer service relations.
Requirements: High school diploma, customer service skills, good spoken and written communication ability, business training and/or experience. And, in this day, computer skills are generally essential in many, if not all, practices for patient record-keeping, patient and professional communications, billing, scheduling.
Becoming a member of the orthodontic team requires a unique combination of skills, a steadfast commitment to long-term goals and a desire to excel. In some positions, an interest in science is important. All positions require individuals who thrive on creativity and challenge. . .and who are patient. But if you like to help people and if you would enjoy the respect that comes with being a member of a highly regarded health-care profession that has the capacity to change people’s lives, then, consider a career in orthodontics.
Whatever position you choose on the orthodontic team, you will receive an excellent salary and great benefits. You’ll work in a great environment as a respected member of the health-care profession. And, importantly, you will build a career with employable skills that you can take with you, should you ever move to a new community.
|
