Dental Assistant

Traveling Orthodontic Dental Assistant

Reports to: Orthodontist / Operations Leader
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Department: Operations
Employment Status: At-Will
Incentive Eligibility: Eligible

Job Summary

The Traveling Orthodontic Assistant supports the orthodontist in delivering high-quality orthodontic care across multiple practice locations. This role requires flexibility, strong clinical orthodontic skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to different teams, workflows, and patient populations.

The assistant plays a key role in creating an exceptional patient experience while maintaining clinical efficiency and consistency across offices. Success in this role requires strong communication, organization, and a proactive, team-oriented mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Working under the direction of the Orthodontist and Operations Leader, responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Travel between assigned offices to support orthodontic clinical operations as needed

• Set up and break down operatories to maintain a safe, clean, and efficient clinical environment

• Prepare patients for orthodontic treatment and procedures

• Assist chairside during orthodontic procedures, including:

  • Placement and removal of brackets and bands

  • Wire changes and adjustments

  • Debonding procedures

  • Taking impressions, digital scans, and orthodontic records

• Take high-quality radiographs, panoramic images, and 3D scans as prescribed

• Sterilize instruments and maintain infection control protocols in compliance with OSHA and company standards

• Provide post-operative and orthodontic care instructions (e.g., braces care, aligner wear, oral hygiene)

• Educate patients on oral hygiene and appliance care to support treatment success

• Manage orthodontic lab cases, including tracking aligners, retainers, and appliances

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in the practice management system

• Ensure charts and treatment plans are prepared in advance to support efficient patient flow

• Support clinical consistency and best practices across multiple locations

Patient Experience & Team Collaboration

• Deliver an exceptional patient experience at every location

• Build trust and rapport quickly with patients and team members

• Maintain a positive, flexible attitude while adapting to different office environments

• Communicate effectively with orthodontists, team members, and patients

• Exhibit a “yes mentality” in helping patients and supporting team needs

• Address patient concerns professionally and escalate when necessary

Operational Excellence

• Champion the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Values across all supported offices

• Maintain accountability for schedules, travel readiness, and assigned duties

• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and all company policies

• Complete continuing education and stay current with orthodontic techniques and technology

• Support practice goals by contributing to both clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction

Travel Requirements

• Travel required between multiple practice locations (may include daily or weekly travel)

• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required

• Flexibility with schedule, including early mornings or extended days based on office needs

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Dental Assisting certification/license as required by state

• Current X-ray certification

• Orthodontic assisting experience preferred (DSO or multi-location experience a plus)

Certifications

• Current Dental Assisting License (as required by state/local regulations)

• Current Radiography/X-ray Certification

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong orthodontic clinical skills (brackets, wires, appliances, aligners)

• Highly adaptable and comfortable working in multiple locations

• Organized, detail-oriented, and safety-conscious

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Customer-service focused with a patient-first mindset

• Self-motivated and able to work independently

• Tech-savvy and proficient with dental software systems

• Ability to multitask and manage time efficiently in fast-paced environments

• Positive attitude with willingness to learn and grow

• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement