Orthodontic Dental Assistant
Journey Kids Dental – Fort Lauderdale, FL
**Compensation: Starting at $18+ per hour (based on experience)**
About Our Practice
Journey Kids Dental is a growing pediatric and orthodontic practice dedicated to creating positive, comfortable, and life-changing dental experiences for children and families. Our team combines high-quality pediatric care with orthodontic excellence, helping children build healthy smiles in a supportive and fun environment.
We are seeking an experienced Dental Assistant with at least 1 year of orthodontic experience who is passionate about working with children, confident in orthodontic assisting, and excited about expanding their career through **cross-training into an Orthodontic Treatment Coordinator role**.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who loves both clinical care and patient education, and who is ready to grow into a larger leadership role within orthodontics.
Key Responsibilities
Orthodontic & Clinical Support
- Assist the orthodontist dentist during a variety of procedures
- Support orthodontic procedures including braces, bonding, debonding, adjustments, records collection, scans, and appliance delivery
- Assist with expanders, functional appliances, retainers, and other orthodontic treatment needs
- Provide exceptional patient care while ensuring children feel safe, calm, and confident
- Help maintain efficient patient flow throughout both pediatric and orthodontic schedules
Patient Experience & Communication
- Build strong relationships with patients and parents through positive communication
- Help explain orthodontic treatment steps and reinforce patient instructions
- Support children who may feel nervous or anxious during treatment
- Provide age-appropriate reassurance and education
- Deliver a welcoming and energetic patient experience
Technology & Documentation
- Take digital X-rays, photos, impressions, or intraoral scans as permitted
- Enter accurate clinical notes and treatment updates in systems such as Dentrix or Dolphin
- Maintain detailed orthodontic records and progress documentation
- Support case presentation preparation when cross-training into treatment coordination
Cross-Training Opportunity: Orthodontic Treatment Coordinator
- Learn to support orthodontic consultations and patient education
- Assist in explaining treatment plans and financial options to families
- Help guide patients from consultation to case acceptance
- Develop skills in scheduling, case presentation, and patient conversion
- Grow into a leadership pathway within orthodontic operations
Sterilization & Clinical Operations
- Follow sterilization, infection control, and OSHA protocols
- Prepare and break down treatment rooms efficiently
- Maintain organized trays, supplies, and clinical inventory
- Help with lab case organization and appliance management
Qualifications
- Minimum 1 year of orthodontic dental assisting experience REQUIRED
- Pediatric dental experience preferred
- X-ray certification (if required by Florida regulations)
- Experience with braces, orthodontic appliances, or orthodontic workflow
- Strong communication skills with children and parents
- Positive, coachable, and growth-oriented mindset
- Interest in learning Orthodontic Treatment Coordinator responsibilities
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required
What We Offer
- Competitive pay based on experience and skill set
- Paid time off for full time employee
- Supportive, high-energy team culture
- Professional development and continuing education
- Cross-training into Orthodontic Treatment Coordinator for career growth
- Opportunity to grow within a multispecialty practice
Who Thrives on Our Team
- Dental assistants who love both pediatric and orthodontic care
- Team members who are dependable, organized, and proactive
- Individuals who enjoy growth opportunities and learning new skills
- Professionals who communicate confidently with families
- Team players who want to expand beyond assisting into patient conversion and leadership
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person