Orthodontic Assistant Programs

An orthodontic assistant performs many essential functions in an orthodontist's office, from cleaning, maintaining and preparing dental instruments to pouring impressions, trimming plaster models and relaying personal oral hygiene instructions to patients. According to the 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "job prospects should be excellent" for those seeking work in dental assistant-related fields. As such, there are a number of quality training programs offered throughout the country that prepare graduates for entry-level work as orthodontic assistants.
  1. Orthodontic Assistant School of Atlanta

    • The Orthodontic Assistant School of Atlanta provides students with hands-on training in an actual orthodontic office, Pickron Orthodontic Care, to provide the most realistic learning environment possible. In addition, all classes are held on Saturdays to accommodate students with day jobs.

      The school was founded in 2001 and is certified by the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission of Georgia. Class sizes depend on the number of applicants each year, although the administration tries to limit the number of students accepted per session to maintain a lower teacher-to-student ratio. The curriculum provides 64 hours of training in areas such as orthodontic procedures, instrumentation, radiology, equipment usage, laboratory procedures, dental terminology, sterilization techniques and front office procedures. Applicants must have graduated high school with a 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for this program.

      Orthodontic Assistant School of Atlanta
      3608 Pleasant Hill Road
      Duluth, GA 30096
      770-446-6464
      ortho-assist.com

    Greater Hartford Orthodontic Assistant Training Academy

    • The goal of the Greater Hartford Orthodontic Assistant Training Academy is to provide students with the knowledge and abilities necessary to garner gainful entry-level work in the field. Students learn from experienced professionals at Rosenberg Orthodontics, a working, state-of-the-art office with sites in Canton, Newington and Wethersfield. The certificate program is eight weeks long, combining hands-on clinical training with classroom theory, and is designed for those who have no knowledge of the field prior to admission.

      Coursework includes intra-oral anatomy, tooth charting and numbering, bite classifications, styles and parts of braces, diagnostic records, pouring impressions, band fitting, cement mixing, bonding and space closure techniques. Books and materials are included with the cost of tuition. In addition, students who have graduated from another dental assistant program can opt for the accelerated program and earn their certificates in only seven weeks.

      Greater Hartford Orthodontic Assistant Training Academy
      55 Town Line Road
      Wethersfield, CT 06109
      860-529-9555
      ghoata.com

    Institute of Dental Technology

    • The Institute of Dental Technology was founded in 1998 and uses first-rate working professionals to teach the ins and outs of the profession with a curriculum that is 85 percent hands-on training and 15 percent classroom theory work. The school is licensed by the Kentucky Proprietary Board and the Ohio Board for Career Schools and Colleges, and has been nationally accredited by the NACS.

      Over 12 weeks, students will learn oral and dental anatomy, orthodontic terminology, pouring and trimming models, making impressions, charting, patient care, proper use of equipment, how to make retainers and how to create a winning resume. Students can also get certified in taking x-rays and will spend the last 20 hours of their training in an externship. Classes start every five weeks, and applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalency. The school is not only geared toward budget-conscious students, but also offers loans to those who qualify.

      Institute of Dental Technology
      2700 Old Rosebud Road, Suite 150
      Lexington, KY 40509
      859-299-0058
      idtky.com

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