Lead Orthodontic Assistant

Description

Position Summary

The Lead Orthodontic Assistant supports the orthodontist and practice leadership by delivering outstanding clinical care, guiding a high-performing clinical team, and ensuring the daily operations of the orthodontic bay run efficiently.

This role combines advanced clinical expertise with leadership responsibilities, serving as a mentor, trainer, and point of contact for clinical assistants.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Support


* Assist the orthodontist with all clinical procedures, including bonding, debonding, impressions/scanning, wire changes, adjustments, and sterilization protocols.


* Maintain strict compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and infection-control standards.


* Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and equipment for daily patient flow.


* Ensure accurate charting, documentation, and updating of patient records.


* Manage inventory of clinical supplies and submit restock requests as needed.

Leadership & Team Development


* Serve as the lead resource for clinical assistants regarding workflow, protocols, and best practices.


* Provide hands-on training and onboarding for new orthodontic assistants.


* Support daily team huddles, patient flow management, and communication between front and back office.


* Lead by example with professionalism, teamwork, and a positive patient-focused attitude.


* Assist with scheduling clinical team coverage to ensure proper staffing.

Operational Excellence


* Monitor clinical standards to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all procedures.


* Collaborate with the orthodontist and manager on process improvements, patient satisfaction initiatives, and clinical KPIs.


* Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and coordinate service/maintenance when needed.


* Support adherence to company policies, safety standards, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications


* Minimum 5 years of orthodontic assisting experience required (expanded duties preferred).


* Current CPR certification required.


* X-ray certification preferred or must be obtained within required timeframe.


* Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.


* Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume orthodontic environment.

Preferred Skills


* Experience training or supervising dental/orthodontic assistants.


* Proficiency with orthodontic software and digital scanning systems OrthoTrac OrthoFi.

Requirements



* A minimum of a high school degree or equivalent is required.


* An Orthodontist Assistant state certification, included but not limited to, nitrous oxide, dental radiology, and expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) or expanded duties dental assistant (EDDA).


* CPR certification

Job related experience:


* Experience working in a professional, medical, or dental environment with direct customer service is desired.


* A minimum of 1-year orthodontic assisting...