OPT Orthodontic Assistant Jobs
Orthodontic Assistant jobs on OPT are available at private orthodontic offices, DSO chains, and multi-specialty dental clinics. Most roles qualify for STEM OPT extension if your degree is in dental hygiene, health sciences, or a related STEM-classified field. Clinical hands-on work and radiology certification strengthen your candidacy significantly.
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INTRODUCTION
It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
At Westrock Orthodontics, we are a family and we absolutely insist on having FUN at work. We celebrate victories and our hard work is what allows our dentists to focus on their patients and provide the best care possible.
As an Orthodontic Assistant you will assist the Orthodontist with patients to ensure the highest quality of care is provided. Perform clinical and technical procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed Orthodontist. Prepare patient operatory and equipment and assist the doctor during examination and ortho treatment.
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A few specific job duties:
- Must communicate clearly and calmly the treatment needs to parent and patient utilizing prescribed treatment plan.
- Must be able to recognize and identify prior authorization requirements, along with ensuring signed consent forms.
- Maintain awareness of comfort and safety needs of patients.
- Provide clear and concise documentation of all treatment rendered using electronic and paper dental records and forms.
- Perform general housekeeping and restocking as needed.
- Travel between North Little Rock, Conway, and Russellville clinics will be required.
In summary, the goal is to serve and provide superior support to doctors and to be an example of respect and caring for our customer and office personnel.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications
- Dental assisting background is helpful but not mandatory
- Orthodontic assisting experience extremely helpful.
- Familiarity with orthodontic appliances welcome.
Qualities
Someone with exceptional customer service skills, computer literacy, works independently and anticipates team and doctor needs. Overall someone who is respectful to fellow team members, patients, and the Doctor and is genuinely nice and kind. If you offer all this and more, then we would love to meet you.
TOTAL REWARDS
You’ll be welcomed into a winning culture that encourages continuous improvement, a challenging and rewarding work environment with a genuine desire to see each other succeed. We will also provide the following:
Support you Professionally: Competitive pay, career growth opportunities, talented and motivated team who care about each other, our mission, and our patients.
Support your Health & Well-being: flexible health and insurance options, including employer-paid pre-tax Health Savings Account, Employee Assistance Program, and complimentary dental and orthodontic treatments that help you and your family stay on track.
Life Balance: Paid time off and holiday pay with no waiting period.
Planning for the future: plan for the future with an industry-leading 401K retirement plan with matching company contributions.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Orthodontic Assistant
Confirm your degree's STEM classification
Check whether your dental, health sciences, or biology degree appears on the official STEM OPT Designated Degree Program List. A STEM-classified degree gives you up to three years of OPT work authorization, which makes you far more attractive to orthodontic employers.
Get your radiology certification before applying
Most orthodontic offices require state-specific dental radiography certification before hiring. Completing this before your job search removes a common hiring barrier and signals to employers that you can start contributing clinically from day one without additional training delays.
Target DSO groups and multi-location practices
Large dental service organizations employ HR teams with experience hiring international candidates on OPT. They process employment verifications and I-983 training plans more smoothly than small private offices, which often have no prior OPT onboarding experience and may hesitate unnecessarily.
Address OPT authorization proactively in your application
Include a brief note in your cover letter stating your OPT status, authorized start date, and whether you qualify for STEM extension. Orthodontic hiring managers often misunderstand OPT requirements, so framing it clearly upfront prevents your application from being filtered out prematurely.
Obtain your CPR and infection control certifications
Current BLS-level CPR certification and infection control training are standard requirements for clinical dental roles. Having both credentials in place before you apply demonstrates clinical readiness and removes compliance concerns that could otherwise cause employers to delay or decline your hire.
Build hands-on clinical hours through school externships
Orthodontic employers prioritize candidates who have real chairside experience with bracket placement, wire changes, and patient management. Externship hours completed during your program count as verified clinical experience and directly offset the perceived risk of onboarding an OPT student for a clinical position.
Orthodontic Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Orthodontic Assistant on OPT?
Yes. Orthodontic Assistant roles qualify for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. If your degree is in dental hygiene, health sciences, or another STEM-classified program, you may also qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization in this role.
Do Orthodontic Assistant employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
It varies significantly by employer size. Large dental service organizations with dedicated HR functions are more likely to have H-1B visa sponsorship experience than small private orthodontic offices. During your OPT period, it's worth having a direct conversation with your employer about their sponsorship history before your OPT expires. Browse current openings on Migrate Mate to identify employers who have sponsored international candidates before.
Does an Orthodontic Assistant role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree, not the job title itself. The STEM OPT extension is tied to whether your degree program appears on the Department of Homeland Security's Designated Degree Program List. Common qualifying degrees for this role include dental hygiene, health sciences, and biology. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming STEM eligibility.
What licenses or certifications do I need to work as an Orthodontic Assistant on OPT?
Requirements vary by state. Most states require dental radiography certification to take X-rays, and some require a registered dental assistant credential for expanded functions like coronal polishing or sealant placement. CPR certification is nearly universally required. Complete your state's required certifications before starting your OPT job search so licensing delays don't affect your employment start date.
How does the I-983 training plan work for STEM OPT Orthodontic Assistants?
For STEM OPT, your employer must sign and co-develop an I-983 training plan with you that outlines the specific learning goals and skills you'll develop in the role. For Orthodontic Assistants, this typically includes clinical skill development in orthodontic procedures, patient care, and radiology. The plan must show a direct connection between your clinical work and your STEM degree program.