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Ortho Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orthopedic Assistant TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our ...

Orthopedic Assistant

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$34.28 - $51.42/hr

TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their ...

TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their ...

Orthopedic Assistant TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our ...

TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their ...

TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their ...

Orthopedic Assistant

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$34.28 - $51.42/hr

TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their ...

Orthopedic Assistant

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$34.28 - $51.42/hr

TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their ...

Ortho Assistant

Taylors, SC · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

The Ortho Assistant plays a critical role in supporting orthodontists by ensuring efficient and effective patient care throughout the treatment process. This position involves preparing patients for ...

Ortho Assistant

Greenville, SC · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

The Ortho Assistant plays a critical role in supporting orthodontists by ensuring efficient and effective patient care throughout the treatment process. This position involves preparing patients for ...

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Ortho Assistant information

See salary details

$14

$26

$59

How much do ortho assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for ortho assistant in the United States is $26.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a degree to be an ortho assistant?

An orthodontic assistant typically does not need a college degree but must complete on-the-job training or certification programs. Many states require certification, such as the Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA), which involves passing an exam and gaining practical experience. Strong communication skills and knowledge of dental procedures are also important for the role.

What does an ortho assistant do?

An ortho assistant supports orthodontists by preparing patients for procedures, taking dental impressions, adjusting braces, and maintaining patient records. They often assist with chairside procedures, sterilize equipment, and may need certification or training in dental assisting. Their role helps ensure efficient and effective orthodontic care.

What is the difference between Ortho Assistant vs Dental Assistant?

AspectOrtho AssistantDental Assistant
CertificationsCPR, Orthodontic assistant certification (optional)CPR, Dental assisting certification (e.g., DANB)
Work EnvironmentOrthodontic clinics, dental offices with orthodontic servicesGeneral dental offices, clinics
Job DutiesAssist with braces, retainers, orthodontic proceduresAssist with general dental procedures, patient care
Industry UsagePrimarily in orthodonticsBroadly in dentistry

While both roles support dental health, an Ortho Assistant specializes in orthodontic procedures like braces, whereas a Dental Assistant provides broader dental support across various treatments. Certifications and work environments overlap, but their focus areas differ significantly.

What are Ortho Assistants?

Ortho Assistants, also known as Orthodontic Assistants, are dental professionals who support orthodontists in providing care to patients undergoing braces, aligner treatments, and other orthodontic procedures. Their responsibilities typically include preparing patients for treatment, taking dental impressions and X-rays, sterilizing instruments, and providing instructions for oral hygiene and appliance care. Ortho Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that orthodontic treatments run smoothly and that patients are comfortable throughout their visits.

What are some common challenges an Ortho Assistant faces when supporting multiple orthodontists in a busy practice?

Ortho Assistants often work alongside several orthodontists and team members, which can present challenges such as managing varying communication styles and adapting quickly to different working preferences. Balancing a fast-paced schedule, maintaining accurate patient records, and ensuring that instruments and materials are prepared for each procedure requires strong organizational skills. Additionally, Ortho Assistants must be able to provide excellent patient care while efficiently assisting with procedures, making multitasking and adaptability essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ortho Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ortho Assistant, you need a solid understanding of dental anatomy, orthodontic procedures, and sterilization techniques, often supported by a relevant dental assisting certification. Familiarity with dental radiography, orthodontic instruments, and practice management software like Dentrix or Eaglesoft is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and the ability to reassure patients—especially children—are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure smooth clinical operations, accurate support for orthodontists, and a positive patient experience throughout treatment.

Is orthodontic assistant a good career?

An orthodontic assistant is a vital part of dental teams, helping with patient care, preparing treatment areas, and managing orthodontic appliances. The role typically requires certification or training, offers steady employment, and can lead to career advancement in dental healthcare.

How long does it take to be an orthodontic assistant?

Becoming an orthodontic assistant typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or a dental assisting program that lasts from a few months up to a year. Some states or employers may prefer or require certification, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, which can take additional time to obtain.
More about Ortho Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Ortho Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Ortho Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ortho jobs? The most popular types of Ortho jobs are:
What states have the most Ortho Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Ortho Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ortho Assistant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,684 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Orthopedic Assistant

Orthopedic Assistant

HealthPartners

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


HealthPartners rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 884 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Orthopedic Assistant

TRIA is looking to hire an Orthopedic Assistant to join our orthopedic team! Come join us as a Partner for Good and help us make an impact on the care and experience that our patients and their families receive every day.

Position Summary:

Provides orthopedic assistance to physicians in the treatment and care of patients in the OR, Hospital, and clinic settings. Tasks include but are not limited to assisting in surgery, casting, and splinting, rooming patients, seeing post-operative patients in clinic, dressing wounds, providing patient education, triaging patient calls, and other tasks to contribute to quality patient care and services. The Orthopedic Assistant's work will not exceed the following: (1) Orthopedic Assistant Scope of Practice/Competency Skills checklist and (2) Casting, Splinting and DME training checklist. Advanced medical training through military, nursing program, or other similar source. 3-5 years of orthopedic experience is desired. Experience in the operating room environment is preferred.

Work Schedule:

1.00 M-F Days

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination:

    • Completion of a healthcare related post-secondary education program; including but not limited to RN, LPN, Surgical Technologist, Athletic Trainer, Surgical First Assistant, Orthopedic Assistant, and Orthopedic Technologist.

  • Licensure/ Registration/ Certification:

    • CPR certification required.

  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    • Organized individual with proven efficiency in orthopedic and sterile techniques and the ability to accurately assess patient conditions utilizing sound judgment and problem-solving skills.

    • Strong verbal communication, clinical, human relations, and leadership skills

    • Ability to respond to emergency call and assist the physician in stressful situations.

    • Demonstrate knowledge of age-related growth and development principles necessary to provide appropriate service and ensure safety of patients.

    • Personal Computer, general office equipment, must know the equipment used for orthopedic surgery to enable assisting appropriately.

Benefits:

Park Nicollet offers a competitive benefits package (for eligible positions) that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, a retirement program, time away from work, insurance options, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, onsite clinic and much more!


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