Crafting Smiles: Careers in Orthodontic Offices

Highly skilled employees who work under the doctor’s direction to provide orthodontic care for patients. Requires someone who is personable and likes working with their hands. Requires specific training (online and on-the-job).

Manages and oversees the clinical team members as they work with patients. A Clinical Coordinator handles issues that arise, ensures the clinical team is productive and helps the orthodontist work as efficiently as possible. A Clinical Coordinator must have exceptional leadership skills.

The Records Technician takes diagnostic records such as x-rays, photographs, impressions, and intra-oral scans. Training and attention to detail are essential for this role. Some states do require training and certification for taking x-rays.

The Laboratory Technician’s role is to make appliances, such as retainers, palatal expanders, and clear aligners. A good lab technician pays attention to detail and works primarily with computers and 3D printers to design and manufacture retainers and aligners.

Serves as the primary contact between patient (or parent) and doctor. They provide consultation around the treatment plan and the onboarding of new patients.

Responsibilities include greeting patients and taking phone calls.  They are the first impression at the office, so they must be personable and outgoing.

This position is responsible for the non-clinical management of the orthodontic office, including managing the team, overseeing that the practice runs smoothly, business and finances, human resources, customer service, and conflict resolution.

This role helps patients schedule, confirm, and adjust appointments. The Appointment Coordinator is highly organized and has a kind but firm demeanor.

Some practices employ a full or part-time Marketing Coordinator dedicated to marketing the practice to the community. This may include social media and advertising outreach, community involvement, organizing events, and newsletter creation for internal and external teams.

The Insurance Coordinator’s role is a significant one. They are responsible for ensuring that each patient’s insurance claims are filed timely and accurately and that all money due is received from insurance companies. The Insurance Coordinator must be able to communicate with the patient or parent regarding insurance matters, such as changes in insurance, dual coverage, or termination of benefits.