A day in the life of an orthodontic nurse

Find out what it means to be an orthodontic nurse, including the responsibilities of roles, the required skills and the method of conditions.

Orthodontic nurses play a vital role in the successful functioning of an orthodontic practice. Through their unique skills and support they help provide high quality orthodontic patients. The main goal of an orthodontic nurse is to keep everything running smoothly all day for both clinical doctors and patients.

Every morning, the day begins with the activation of the equipment for the day: compressors, dental chairs, rinsing the water lines and the sterilization machine. I also certify that surgery is stored with the necessary supplies and materials required for the day: napkins, cotton instruments, etc.

Then I prepare and create treatment discs for each appointment depending on the type of visit, the disk that is adjusted will be different for each patient.

As an orthodontic nurse I have a wide range of responsibility in practice.

Main duties and roles:

1. Preparation: I help prepare patients for examination and treatment by helping patients wear relevant protective tools, including eye coverage and protective Bib
2. Helping to control infections: Cleaning and sterilized dental equipment, organs and patient area before and after each patient
3. Helping patient records: Includes taking pre -treatment photos and scans as well as progress and final photos and scanning. We are fortunate to have two itero scanners in practice!
4. Helping the orthodontist In processes preparing the means and the necessary materials. The basic understanding of orthodontic processes is vital to the smooth operation of appointments!
5. Execution of administrative duties: Occasionally I help with reception schedule, receiving payments and contact with patients. I am also responsible for ordering and storing orthodontic supplies and materials
6. Providing home care instructions for fixed and removable orthodontic devices: Once patients have been placed removable or fixed devices, I provide patients with oral hygiene and nutrition instructions. This includes the teaching of patients with food -friendly foods, the way orthodontic devices are cleaned and how to maintain good teeth and gum health through treatment
7. Helping remote monitoring: I am lucky to work in an orthodontic practice that uses the latest AI technology in remote monitoring. I help the orthodontist by reviewing the patient’s photos and scans and evaluate the changes in the position of the teeth. I have feeding on orthodontists any changes that may require their attention.

Top skills for orthodontic nurses

To be a successful orthodontic nurse, there are required skills:

1. Teamwork skills: Orthodontic nurses work as part of a group whether they are small or great. You must have good communication and listening skills, as well as the possibility of multiple tasks
2. Critical thinking: Orthodontic practices are often busy fast environment. You must be able to work under pressure and under demanding conditions
3. Multi -position Skills: Most orthodontists are busy with a day full of patients. You will be on your feet most of the day. Moving, cleaning and preparing an instrument quickly to keep up with the day
4. Interpersonal skills: You will work with people all day. Good communication and listening skills are necessary! Young patients are often anxious for orthodontic treatment, so empathy can go a long way
5. Organization skills: Preparation for the start of the day is necessary to help manage the time and smooth operation of the clinic
6. Adjustment: An orthodontic nurse can work with different clinical doctors, so she should learn to adapt to the street and style of work. It is important to be adaptable and once you work with a clinician a few times you will learn their ways and it becomes easier every time
7. High incentives: The world of orthodontist is rapidly changing with new devices and technology that are constantly appearing. It is important to keep up with new knowledge and skills to help provide the highest level of patient care.

The privileges of being an orthodontic nurse

There are many reasons why I like to work with orthodontic patients. Below are my four big ones:

1. Helping people build their trust: Help to improve patients smiles and seeing how the smile transforms and their trust is very satisfactory
2. Improving oral health: We see for the most part new orthodontic patients and should often be motivated to maintain their oral health throughout orthodontic treatment and beyond. I enjoy the training of patients with oral hygiene and nutrition
3. An excellent work environment: There are no two days the same and every day comes out. There is always the opportunity to learn something new from your dentists at work
4. An opportunity to develop career: Work as an orthodontic nurse will open new doors, especially if one is interested in being more hands with patient care. There will always be the opportunity to study further and become an orthodontic therapist.

How to become an orthodontic nurse

In order to be able to work as an orthodontic nurse, it must first be described as a general dental nurse. The procedure involves registering with a national diploma program that is accredited by Nebdn. You will need to work in a general dental practice at least 16 hours a week, gaining experience in all aspects of general dental therapies.

As a practitioner dental nurse you should be employed by dental practice and be able to be able to complete the ROC. ROC is a capacity and proof portfolio that you have helped in a wide range of different dental processes. Also, you must have recorded at least 70% during the 12 -month period as a practitioner.

Once it is described as a dental nurse, you can apply to work in an orthodontic practice and then apply for Nebdn Orthodontic Dental Nursing, an orthodontic course of nursing. This takes six months to complete.

Ending words

As an orthodontic nurse, you will be a member of the group, including orthodontic, orthodontic therapists and healthy. You are responsible for multiple different tasks that may be different from providing assistance to procedures, patient communication and administrative duties. It is indeed a very fun and satisfactory career.

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