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Ortho Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Dining Assistant

Alexandria, MN · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Paid time off begins accruing day 1 * 401K plan with employer contribution As a Dining Assistant at Edgewood, you'll help serve meals and provide an outstanding dining experience to the most amazing ...

Dining Assistant

Hermantown, MN · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Paid time off begins accruing day 1 * 401K plan with employer contribution As a Dining Assistant at Edgewood, you'll help serve meals and provide an outstanding dining experience to the most amazing ...

Dining Assistant

Sartell, MN · On-site

$14 - $14.75/hr

Paid time off begins accruing day 1 * 401K plan with employer contribution As a Dining Assistant at Edgewood, you'll help serve meals and provide an outstanding dining experience to the most amazing ...

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Ortho Assistant information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

$26

$58

How much do ortho assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for ortho assistant in Minnesota is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.52 and $24.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ortho assistant?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ortho assistant?

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.

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 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.

How much do ortho assistants make?

Orthodontic assistants in Texas typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with an average annual salary around $35,000 to $50,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the dental practice's location and size.

Is being an ortho assistant hard?

Being an ortho assistant involves tasks such as preparing dental materials, assisting with procedures, and managing patient records, which require attention to detail and good communication skills. The job can be physically demanding and may involve standing for long periods, but it generally requires on-the-job training and certification. The difficulty level varies based on experience and the work environment, but it is considered manageable with proper training and organization.

What do you do as an orthodontic assistant?

An orthodontic assistant helps prepare patients for orthodontic procedures, takes X-rays, and assists the orthodontist during treatments. They also provide patient education on appliance care and may handle administrative tasks, often working with dental tools and maintaining sterilization protocols.

What qualifications do you need to be an orthodontic assistant?

To become an orthodontic assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some states require completion of a dental assisting program or certification. Certification such as the Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) can enhance job prospects, and strong communication and technical skills are important for success in the role.

What are popular job titles related to Ortho Assistant jobs in Minnesota?

For Ortho Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Ortho Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Ortho Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Ortho Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,104 per year, or $26 per hour.

Orthopedic Assistant - Ortho Trauma

HealthPartners

Maple Grove, MN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


HealthPartners rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 889 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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