Oral Hygienist; Orthodontics

Do you love giving patients confidence in their smile? We are looking for a passionate Oral Hygienist with experience in Orthodontics to join one of our orthodontic practices. If you enjoy patient education, preventative care, and being part of a team that takes real ownership of outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

The Oral Hygienist in an orthodontic setting plays a specialised role in maintaining oral hygiene for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The role involves preventive care, hygiene education, patient motivation, and clinical support that enhances treatment outcomes during orthodontic therapy.

• Monitor and maintain patients’ oral hygiene throughout orthodontic treatment
• Preparing teeth:
  Cleaning and polishing tooth surfaces, and preparing teeth for brackets and bands to be placed.
• Managing wires:
  Inserting, adjusting, and removing archwires as prescribed by the orthodontist.
• Taking records:
  Creating dental impressions, taking 3D digital scans, and capturing clinical photographs and X-rays.
• Appliance fitting:
  Fitting and removing fixed braces, and inserting removable appliances like retainers and orthopedic devices.
• Patient support:
  Providing oral hygiene advice and helping patients manage any discomfort caused by their appliances.
• Lab work:
  Making gum guards, removable retainers, 3D printing from scans.

• Deliver customised oral hygiene instructions and demonstrations for orthodontic patients of all ages
• Provide diet advice related to maintaining appliance integrity and preventing caries
• Educate parents/caregivers of younger patients on hygiene responsibilities
• Offer guidance on managing common orthodontic challenges (e.g., discomfort, ulcers, plaque retention)

• Maintain detailed clinical notes and oral hygiene progress tracking
• Assist in orthodontic recall systems and follow-ups
• Ensure instruments and equipment are maintained to HPCSA and practice standards
• Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols
• Support marketing and patient engagement initiatives related to oral health (e.g., oral hygiene awareness months)

• Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
• Radiography certification (preferred but not essential)
• Hunger/eager to learn new skills or willing to change/adapt to what has been learnt already.
• Strong understanding of orthodontic appliances
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially with adolescents
• Passion for preventative care and patient education
• Detail-oriented with high standards of clinical excellence
• Team player who collaborates effectively with the orthodontist and clinical team
• Confident in working with digital systems for record keeping and patient communication
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans

• Prior experience in an orthodontic setting is highly advantageous
• Newly qualified graduates with some experience and a passion for orthodontics will be considered and supported

• Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00
• CPD support
• Professional development in orthodontics
• Performance Bonus for compliance-based outcomes