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Ortho Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Overview RDA Ortho New & Experienced Licensee Welcome Want excellent training? Are you a motivated self-starter looking for professional and personal fulfillment in your dental career? Come and join ...

Ortho Assistant

Hemet, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

The Orthodontic Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting orthodontists in providing high-quality care to patients. This position involves preparing patients for treatment, assisting during ...

Overview RDA Ortho New & Experienced Licensee Welcome Want excellent training? Are you a motivated self-starter looking for professional and personal fulfillment in your dental career? Come and join ...

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Ortho Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$27

$60

How much do ortho assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for ortho assistant in Riverside, CA is $27.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.19 and $25.96 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.
What are popular job titles related to Ortho Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Ortho Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Ortho Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Ortho Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Ortho Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,192 per year, or $27 per hour.

Traveling Ortho Assistant

WEST COAST DENTAL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES LLC

Calimesa, CA • On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


West Coast Dental rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary

The Ortho Coordinator performs a variety of general front office tasks and duties including, but not limited to answering the telephone; preparing, filing, and maintaining all hardcopy and computerized patient charts; patient greeting and intake; collecting payments; checking insurance eligibility; and scheduling patient appointments and marketing the dental practice. Ortho Coordinator travels with the Orthodontist Team to multiple locations within the region.

Responsibilities

  • Greet and check-in patients with a friendly, warm smile; thank and check-out patients
  • Maintain a clean and welcoming front office environment and restrooms at all times
  • Assist patients with required paperwork for dental services and financial responsibilities
  • Prepare charts for new and current patients; update patient information
  • Prepare care slips for patient routing
  • Pull charts and confirm next day appointments
  • Obtain patient insurance information and verify insurance benefits eligibility
  • Schedule appointments in accordance with Company policies
  • Answer telephones in a thorough and timely matter
  • Route calls to appropriate department
  • Coordinate all patient appointments at least two days in advance
  • Collect payments, post payments in the West Coast Dental system, and print receipts
  • File and maintain hardcopy and computerized patient charts/records
  • Maintain strict compliance with State, Federal, and other pertinent laws or regulations, (e.g., OSHA, WC, Dental Board, HIPAA, ADA, FEHA, DOL, HR policies and practices)

Other duties and Requirements

  • Handle recall and no-show follow-up
  • Assist Office Manager, as needed, with general clerical duties
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings and team huddles
  • Other duties as assigned by the office manager, regional manager, and/or dentists
  • Ability to travel to multiple locations within the region to produce productive work schedule.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required
  • Prior Ortho experience in the dental industry preferred
  • Proficient with PC and outlook
  • Previous experience with dental software (Eagle Soft, Dentrix, QSI, or similar)
  • Bilingual: English & Spanish required (if the geographic location of the office does not require the applicant to be bilingual, applicants who only speak English may be considered)
  • Comprehensive knowledge of fee schedules
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship skills
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment and able to multitask
  • Ability to maintain outgoing, friendly attitude with patients and coworkers
  • Ability to work with interruptions and to manage multiple priorities
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision

Work Schedule

The Ortho Coordinator will be notified of the work schedule on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. The Ortho Coordinator’s schedule is subject to change (daily/weekly hours may increase or decrease) according to the needs of the practice. Evening and weekend hours may be required. This position is paid on an hourly basis.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, and walk; talk, hear, and smell; and use hands, fingers, and wrists (manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination) to handle or feel the mouth/teeth and gums of patients, as well as objects, tools, or controls associated with the dental field. The employee is frequently/occasionally required to reach; lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; and balance, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, twist, pull, and crouch. The essential functions of this position will result in the following: hazardous exposure (chemical and infections)—constantly; non ionizing radiation (welding flash, microwaves, sun, etc.)—frequently; radiation (x-ray, radioactive, isotopes, etc.)—constantly; noise (loud/repetitive, 85 decibels per OSHA standard)—constantly; and personal protective equipment (PPE: respiratory masks, latex gloves, face shields, etc.)—constantly.

Work Conditions and Risk

General Dental Office conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The dental office environment may result in employees being exposed to toxic chemicals, radiation, infectious bodily fluids and materials, and increased noise level. This position assumes high risk.

Independent Action

Under the general supervision of the Office Manager, regular duties performed by the Ortho Coordinator may require occasional independent judgment. The Ortho Coordinator must consult with her/his supervisor regarding patient problems or confrontation, policy issues, expenditures, and unusual problems.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, and physical demands required for the position.

This job description is subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by anyone occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with State and Federal laws.

The job requirement represents the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.



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