Orthodontic assistants help orthodontists fit patients for braces and retainers.
Visiting the orthodontist or oral surgeon can be nerve-wracking. However, the assistants who work in these offices are there to put patients at ease by answering questions and preparing them for their procedures. Although both professions fall within the dental field, orthodontic assistants and oral surgery assistants perform different functions. Orthodontic assistants aid orthodontists with fitting braces and other mouth devices, while oral surgery assistants prepare the instruments and equipment used by oral surgeons.
Orthodontic Assistant Salaries
Orthodontic assistants prepare patients for orthodontist examinations and treatments. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting instruments, they set up equipment and materials used to fit orthodontic appliances. They assist orthodontists by taking x-rays, and educating clients on oral care. Other duties assigned to orthodontic assistants include taking impressions of patients' mouths; removing arch wires and retainers; updating patient records and scheduling appointments. The average salary for orthodontic assistants was $38,000, according to a June 2011 Indeed.com report.
Oral Surgery Assistant Salaries
Oral surgery assistants are trained dental assistants who perform similar duties as orthodontist assistants. These professionals sterilize surgery areas, instruments and equipment prior to surgery. However, they also prepare patients for surgery by performing teeth cleanings, taking and developing x-ray images and explaining surgical procedures. During surgery, oral surgery assistants arrange x-rays for surgeons, apply topical anesthetics and handle tools such as suction hoses. A June 2011 Indeed.com report stated that the average salary for oral surgery assistants in the U.S. was $43,000.
Geography
Average salaries for orthodontic assistant salaries versus oral surgery assistant salaries differ slightly across similar geographic regions. Orthodontic assistant salaries on average were lower than oral surgery assistant salaries. For example, a June 2011 SalaryExpert report showed that orthodontic assistants averaged $39,112 in Houston; $47,400 in New York City; $45,130 in Dallas; and $40,419 in Los Angeles. In comparison, oral surgery assistants averaged $42,569 in Houston; $51,590 in New York City; $49,119 in Dallas; and $43,992 in Los Angeles.
Potential
Job growth for orthodontic and oral surgery assistants is promising, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition. The report reveals that jobs for dental assisting professionals will increase 36 percent through the year 2018. Some of the trends driving employment for dental assistants include an increased focus on preventative dental care, and an aging elderly population. In addition to completing formal training in a dental assisting program, on-the-job training and professional certifications can increase earnings potential. For example, orthodontic assistants can obtain Certified Orthodontic Assistant designation through the Dental Assisting National Board (see Resources).
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