The Orthodontic Assistant class has been postponed due to recent legislative changes signed into law on September 28th. South Coast is working closely with COMDA to ensure our class adheres to the current legislation. Please check back often as we'll provide updates and a revised class schedule.

What is AB 2637?
AB 2637 in it's full form can be reviewed on the COMDA website here. The part we are most interested in is around section 1750. The law indicates that after January 1, 2010 all dental assistants (and registered dental assistants) must obtain an Orthodontic Assisting Permit (issued by the state) before performing specific extended functions.

• Bonding preparation, bracket selection, prepositioning and curing
• Removal of brackets and attachments, but not bonding material
• Size, fit and cement bands

So what does this mean for me?
After January 1st 2010, If you are an Orthodontic assistant performing extended functions you may be required to obtain your Orthodontic Assisting permit from the state. Our discussions with COMDA indicate that there is no provision to 'grandfather' in existing RDA's who may be performing these extended functions today.

How do I get my Orthodontic Assisting Permit?
From our interpretation of AB 2637, you will need to file a completed application, including a fee and provide evidence of all the following eligibility requirements:

• 12 months of work as a dental assistant
• Completion of a board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act and a course in Infection Control
• Completion of a course in basic life support
• Completion of a board-approved orthodontic assistant course which can commence after 6 months of work experience. This is the South Coast Dental Institute course
• Passage of a written examination

What does a board-approved Orthodontic Assisting course entail?
We are working diligently with COMDA to get our curriculum board-approved. The regulations are still brand new so we are carefully reviewing the requirements to ensure we satisfy all the needed criteria. From what we can tell the board approved class will be structured into three segments; didactic instruction, labratory & preclinical instruction, and clinical instruction.

• Didactic instruction is the self-study or instructor led portion of the program. Here you will learn the basics about Orthodontic Assisting. There are 24 hours required for this instruction.
• Labratory & Preclinical insruction is where you'll be at the South Coast Dental Institute actually working on mannequins or typodonts. In the preclinical phase you will actually be working on other students in the class. There are 28 hours required for this segment.
• Clinical instruction is where you will work under the supervision of a dentist in a clinical setting. You will actually be performing procedures on real patients! There are 32 hours required for this segment.

Career Characteristics You will find the field of orthodontic assisting to be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of your life. Orthodontists and their staff work with all ages of people who are seeking the advantages of an attractive, healthy smile. Improved self esteem, social acceptance and increased career opportunities are some of the many benefits that result from successful orthodontic treatment. You can be a member of this highly specialized team that can actually change people's lives. As an orthodontic assistant, you will have a lot more direct patient contact than what you are used to. With our training, and under an orthodontist's supervision, you will actually be able to straighten teeth! Our program makes this possible. Your value to the doctor comes directly from your level of skill and judgment, which we will help you develop. Your increased value will then be rewarded with increased compensation. Generally, orthodontic assistants make 25% - 50% more than RDA's in a general dental office. Although orthodontic assisting can be a demanding career, it is also a rewarding profession that you can benefit from your entire working career. Work schedules can be as varied as your life is - part time to full time. Our hope is that this training will only be the first step in your career advancement. We want you to become an orthodontic assistant that is not only technically skilled, but is outgoing, sincere, well organized and is successful at interpersonal relationships. Your ability to put the patient at ease and to work well with the rest of the office staff are complementary skills that will make you a more valuable employee. Let us help you achieve your dream. Be part of an orthodontic team, one of the world's greatest professions.

Career Potential
A fully trained orthodontic assistant can earn up to 50% more than an RDA working in general dentistry. Orthodontic assistants are specialists that command a salary that matches their value to the doctor. Orthodontic assistants are constantly in demand because there are few opportunities for training in this specialized profession. Our course is your shortcut into this prestigious career.