What is Orthodontic Assisting?
Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry. An orthodontic assistant performs many tasks that involve direct patient contact, which makes it different from normal dental assisting. A background in other areas of dentistry will be helpful, but not required, in acquiring the skills of orthodontic assisting.
Back to the top

What type of tasks does an orthodontic assistant perform?
An assistant's main focus is hands-on, direct patient contact adjusting braces. Also, taking x-rays, taking impressions and photographs of the teeth, and giving patient instructions are all part of an assistants day. In addition, there are many other duties that vary from office to office.
Back to the top

Do students receive Continuing Education (CE) credits?
Yes - participants in our course will receive CE credit approved by the Dental Board of California.
Back to the top

How are orthodontic assistants usually trained? Traditionally, orthodontic assistants have learned their skills in an orthodontic office, over a very long time frame. This process is frustrating for the assistant and very expensive for the doctor. Our intensive program can give you the critical training that you will need to step right into an orthodontic office. Back to the top

Where do our students come from?
We are primarily interested in teaching RDAs that want to make a change in their career. Maybe they have been in another dental environment and desire to have more responsibility and higher pay. Many of the duties that an orthodontic assistant does are governed by state law, so an unregistered dental assistant will not be able to perform all of her new duties legally. We will accept unregistered dental assistants into our program with the presumption that they will be getting their RDA in the near future.
Back to the top

What about job placement?
We will assist you in the search for a new job in an orthodontic office. There are always offices looking for well trained orthodontic RDAs. We cannot guarantee you a job after completing our program, but we will help to prepare you. Like any other schooling, your chances of receiving a higher wage are much improved after successful completion of our program.
Back to the top

How high is the demand for orthodontic assistants?
The need for well trained orthodontic assistants is very high, not only here in California, but nationwide. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists has identified the need for more quality trained staff as one of the specialty's biggest challenges. We hope that our program will be a great benefit to you in finding a wonderful, new career.
Back to the top

How much does the program cost?
Program fees for the Orthodontic Program are located on the Orthodontic Program page. South Coast Dental Institute is proud to offer financing for students who qualify with approved credit. Please Contact Us for more information.
Back to the top