The dental field is evolving faster than ever, and so are the expectations for clinical team members. Today’s Level II Dental Assistants (CDA II) and Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) are playing a bigger role in orthodontic care — from patient education and records-taking to assisting with advanced procedures and digital workflows.
Upgrading your orthodontic skills isn’t just a resume boost — it’s a direct pathway to becoming an indispensable member of the clinical team while opening new career opportunities in a growing specialty.
Orthodontics Is Expanding — and So Is Your Role
Modern orthodontic practices rely heavily on skilled assistants and hygienists who understand both traditional and digital treatment systems.
By upgrading your orthodontic skills, you’ll be able to support tasks such as:
- Capturing high-quality orthodontic records (photos, impressions, digital scans)
- Assisting with bracket placement and wire changes (within your scope of practice)
- Understanding aligner therapy workflows
- Monitoring oral hygiene for ortho patients
- Communicating treatment plans and expectations to patients
- Using digital tools like Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), intraoral scanners, and 3D imaging
As orthodontic technology advances, team members with advanced training become essential to keeping the practice efficient and patient-focused.
Skill Upgrades Lead to More Responsibility — and More Opportunity
Completing an orthodontic course can open new professional doors for CDAs and RDHs, including opportunities to:
- Take on expanded clinical duties
- Support orthodontists with more complex procedures
- Lead ortho-focused patient education
- Become the “go-to ortho assistant” in a general practice
- Qualify for higher-paying positions in orthodontic clinics
- Transition into orthodontics if you want to specialize your career
Many orthodontic practices prefer hiring assistants and hygienists with additional ortho training — it saves onboarding time and increases practice efficiency.
Advanced Training = Better Patient Care
Orthodontic patients rely heavily on the clinical team for comfort, guidance, and motivation throughout treatment. Upgrading your orthodontic skills helps you:
- Improve accuracy when taking impressions or digital scans
- Identify issues earlier and report them to the dentist or orthodontist
- Support patients with hygiene instructions tailored to braces or aligners
- Provide clearer, more confident communication about appliances and protocols
- Create a smoother treatment experience from start to finish
Stronger skills lead to more predictable clinical outcomes — and happier patients.
Orthodontic Courses Build Confidence and Support Every Step
Professional growth isn’t just about learning new techniques — it’s also about gaining confidence and professional support. Quality orthodontic training programs give Level II Assistants and Hygienists:
- Hands-on practice with real orthodontic appliances
- Guidance from experienced orthodontists and instructors
- Opportunities to apply knowledge to real clinical cases
- Peer connections that encourage ongoing learning
- Increased comfort in both general and ortho-specific settings
Graduates often report feeling more empowered and more valuable in both general and specialty practices.
Choosing the Right Orthodontic Program Matters
SODC offers orthodontic training designed specifically for Level II Dental Assistants and Hygienists, with:
✔ Hands-on clinical components
✔ Experienced orthodontic instructors
✔ Training aligned with the RCDSO standards for a Supplemental Course in Intra-oral Procedures
✔Digital orthodontics exposure (scanners, aligner systems, 3D imaging)
✔ Certification and a total of 8 ODAA credits
A well-designed program ensures that what you learn can be put to use immediately in your practice.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Step Starts with Our 2-Day Supplemental Course in Orthodontic Procedures CE Program
For Level II Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Hygienists, upgrading your orthodontic skills doesn’t have to require months of training. SODC’s 2-day Supplemental Course in Orthodontic Procedures Program is designed to give you the practical, hands-on skills you need to confidently support orthodontic care in both general and specialty practices.
In just two focused training days, you will:
- Gain essential orthodontic knowledge tailored to your scope of practice
- Practice real clinical techniques under expert guidance
- Build confidence in both fixed appliance and aligner workflows
- Strengthen your ability to take records, communicate with patients, and support efficient orthodontic treatment
This intensive, career-boosting program is perfect for dental assistants and hygienists who want to elevate their clinical value, expand their skillset, and increase opportunities in orthodontic-focused roles — without a long-term time commitment.
Your path to becoming a more knowledgeable, confident, and in-demand dental professional can start — and make an impact — in just two days.