Lead Orthodontic Assistant

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Experience training or supervising dental/orthodontic assistants.
• Proficiency with orthodontic software and digital scanning systems (Ortho Trac, Ortho Fi).

• A minimum of a high school degree or equivalent is required.
• An Orthodontist Assistant state certification (nitrous oxide, dental radiology, and expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) or expanded duties dental assistant (EDDA)).
• CPR certification.

• Experience working in a professional, medical, or dental environment with direct customer service is desired.
• A minimum of 1‑year orthodontic assisting experience.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills – must be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Must be customer service oriented and able to communicate with a pleasant demeanor at all times.
• Effective written and verbal communication is a must with all staff and management.
• Must project a capable and professional image reflective of company values.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail, ability to multitask and perform job duties in a timely manner.
• Proficiency with PC, ability to learn new programs; experience with Microsoft Windows, Office, fax machine, copy machine, and general office equipment.

• Dental Office Environment.
• Hours may change to meet the business needs.
• Travel to offices that provide orthodontic services may be required.
• Attend and participate in all office meetings, continuing education events and morning huddles.
• Nature of work requires effective communication with patients, their parents and staff.
• Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds and twist, turn, bend and stoop.