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Let’s be honest—most orthodontist job descriptions you’ll find online are completely forgettable.
They’re filled with bullet points, dry jargon, and templated language that could apply to any dental clinic. But if you’re serious about attracting top-tier orthodontists—people who not only have the technical skills but also bring care, confidence, and strong communication—you need more than a checklist.
Because here’s what most hiring managers don’t realize:
The best candidates aren’t just looking for a job. They’re looking for a team, a mission, and a reason to stay.
And that’s why your job post matters more than you think.
Before we dive in, we highly recommend reading this:
👉 full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/
It breaks down the why behind each section of a great job post—and shows how the best hiring teams write listings that connect, convert, and build culture.
In this article, you’ll find:
- A clear, human definition of what an orthodontist really does in your clinic.
- Two ready-to-use job description templates (one for experienced candidates, one for those you can train).
- A breakdown of what makes great job posts work—and what causes the best candidates to scroll right past you.
- Bonus tips, FAQs, and a smarter way to screen applicants using WorkScreen.
If you want to write a job description that doesn’t just fill a seat—but actually helps build a stronger practice—you’re in the right place.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What an Orthodontist Actually Does - Their Roles
An orthodontist isn’t just someone who straightens teeth. They’re a highly trained dental specialist who diagnoses and corrects alignment issues with the teeth, jaw, and bite.
But their role goes beyond clinical expertise.
Orthodontists work closely with patients—often over long treatment periods—so communication, trust-building, and patience are just as important as technical skill. They also collaborate with dental assistants, hygienists, and administrative staff to ensure smooth, timely care.
In short: a great orthodontist is part doctor, part educator, and part teammate.
Whether you’re hiring for a private practice or a larger clinic, you’re not just looking for someone who can fit braces or plan aligners—you’re hiring someone who will shape how your patients feel about their smile, their experience, and your brand.
Two Great Job Description Templates for Orthodontists
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Orthodontists
Job Title: Lead Orthodontist – BrightPath Orthodontics
Location: Austin, TX
Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
Salary Range: $170,000–$220,000/year + bonus + benefits
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Watch this short video from Dr. Leah Tran, our Clinical Director, to learn more about what it’s like to work at BrightPath:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🦷 Help Build Texas’s Most Patient-Centered Orthodontic Practice
At BrightPath Orthodontics, we believe in more than straight teeth—we believe in building confidence from the inside out. We’re an independently owned, fast-growing clinic in Austin known for exceptional care, cutting-edge technology, and a warm, family-oriented culture.
As our lead orthodontist, you’ll play a central role in delivering top-tier clinical outcomes while shaping the future of our practice and mentoring junior team members. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and leads with empathy and precision.
🏢 Who We Are
BrightPath Orthodontics has served the Austin community since 2014. We specialize in Invisalign, clear braces, and early interceptive treatment for kids and teens. With over 6,000 smiles transformed, our patient satisfaction scores consistently rank among the top in Texas.
We operate as a close-knit team—where assistants, front desk staff, and providers support each other fully. Our goal is simple: to make every patient feel cared for, understood, and excited about their smile journey.
🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead treatment planning for patients requiring orthodontic care, including Invisalign, metal, and ceramic braces
- Mentor associate orthodontists and review cases as needed
- Collaborate with assistants and front-desk staff to ensure a smooth patient flow
- Implement best practices in digital orthodontics using tools like iTero and DentalMonitoring
- Participate in monthly strategy meetings to improve patient experience and operational excellence
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- DDS or DMD degree with an accredited orthodontic residency
- Active Texas dental license
- Minimum 3 years post-residency experience preferred
- Proven leadership and mentorship ability
- Tech-savvy and passionate about improving systems and workflows
❤️ Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll have full clinical autonomy with support—not micromanagement
- We value your ideas and want your input as we expand to new locations
- You’ll work in a modern practice with a stable, high-performing team
- You’ll shape the patient experience and help build something meaningful in the Austin community
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Competitive base salary + monthly performance bonuses
- Full health, dental, vision, and malpractice insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (20 days per year + holidays)
- Paid CE and licensing renewals
- Monthly team wellness stipend
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to ensure fairness, transparency, and speed in our hiring process.
Click below to complete a short, structured evaluation. We’ll respond to all applicants within 7 business days.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
🌱 Option 2: For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Candidates
Job Title: Orthodontic Associate – Rising Smiles Dental Group
Location: Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Full-Time | In-Person
Salary Range: $140,000–$160,000/year + training + benefits
🎥 Hear From Dr. Nia Caldwell, Our Clinical Director
Learn what it’s like to work and grow with Rising Smiles in this short intro video:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🌟 Launch Your Orthodontic Career with Mentorship and Real Support
If you’re just finishing residency and looking for a place to grow, learn, and make a real impact—Rising Smiles is the clinic for you. We’re a progressive dental group in Sacramento that believes great care starts with investing in great people.
As our next associate orthodontist, you’ll be guided by experienced mentors, exposed to a wide range of cases, and included in every part of how we grow our team and practice. You won’t be thrown into the deep end—we’ll train you, support you, and help you build a career that lasts.
🏢 Who We Are
Rising Smiles Dental Group is a community-driven dental practice network with four locations across Sacramento. We offer full-service general and specialty care, including orthodontics, pediatrics, and cosmetic dentistry.
We believe in holistic growth—for patients and staff. Every new hire is supported with structured onboarding, quarterly check-ins, and opportunities to shadow and lead. Our mission: to create better outcomes by building a better dental workplace.
🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist in treatment planning and patient education
- Observe and support lead orthodontists during complex cases
- Take digital impressions, review progress scans, and manage follow-ups
- Participate in weekly training, case reviews, and mentorship sessions
- Deliver care that prioritizes long-term results and patient satisfaction
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- DDS or DMD from an accredited program + orthodontic residency
- Active or pending California dental license
- Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to learn
- Passion for helping patients, especially kids and teens
- No prior orthodontic experience required—we train on the job
❤️ Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll gain hands-on experience in a fast-growing clinic
- Mentorship isn’t a buzzword—it’s baked into how we operate
- You’ll have the safety and structure of a full team behind you
- You’ll get to shape patient experiences and improve outcomes without pressure to “sell”
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Structured mentorship with CE credits and live cases
- Health, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1
- Paid time off (starting at 15 days) + holidays
- Annual training and CE budget
- Free local parking and travel stipend for rotations between clinics
- Team socials, appreciation days, and wellness check-ins
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants fairly and holistically—so you’re judged by your skills and mindset, not just your resume.
Start your application now using the link below:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link Here]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Orthodontist Job Posts Actually Work
Writing a job description is easy.
Writing one that attracts the right candidates? That takes intention.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes the BrightPath and Rising Smiles job posts stand out—and why they’ll resonate with thoughtful, high-quality applicants:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of a vague “Orthodontist Wanted,” each post uses a full, specific title:
- “Lead Orthodontist – BrightPath Orthodontics”
- “Orthodontic Associate – Rising Smiles Dental Group”
This tells candidates who the role is for, what level of experience is expected, and where the opportunity is located. That clarity filters for relevance before the first click.
✅ 2. They Start With a Warm, Mission-Driven Introduction
No dry summaries here. Each post starts by speaking directly to the candidate:
- Why this role matters
- Who the clinic serves
- What kind of work environment they’d be joining
This opening creates an emotional connection. It attracts candidates who care about why they work—not just what they’ll be doing.
✅ 3. They Include a Video Element to Build Trust
Both descriptions invite applicants to “meet the hiring manager” through a short video.
That simple addition builds trust, puts a face to the brand, and helps humanize the process—especially valuable in healthcare, where culture fit and bedside manner matter.
✅ 4. “Who We Are” Feels Real—Not Copied and Pasted
Instead of a generic “About Us,” both clinics share concrete details:
- Years of service
- Patient volume
- Treatment specialties
- Team structure
- Community impact
It gives candidates context. And it helps them visualize exactly where they’d be working.
✅ 5. Responsibilities Are Framed as Impact
Rather than listing tasks, the posts describe how the role contributes:
- “You’ll help shape the patient experience”
- “You’ll keep patient flow smooth and efficient”
- “You’ll guide care while mentoring newer providers”
That shift from duties → outcomes helps attract candidates who want to make a difference, not just do a job.
✅ 6. They Separate “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” From Benefits
This is subtle but important. Instead of blending everything into one generic list, these posts:
- Highlight why the role itself is meaningful
- Then separately outline tangible perks and benefits
This structure appeals to both the heart and the head. It motivates idealists and practical decision-makers.
✅ 7. The Application Process Is Clear and Respectful
Applicants are told:
- How to apply
- What platform they’ll use (WorkScreen)
- That all applications will be reviewed
- When they’ll hear back
That level of clarity shows respect for the candidate’s time—and stands out in a job market full of “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” dead ends.
✅ 8. WorkScreen Integration Adds Modern, Fair Screening
By using WorkScreen:
- Applicants are evaluated on skills, not just resumes
- The hiring team gets real insights early
- Low-effort applicants (including AI spammers) are filtered out
This isn’t just a nice feature—it signals to candidates that this company values fairness, efficiency, and effort.
Bad Orthodontist Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
Here’s a job post that looks a lot like what you’ll find on most job boards. It’s technically accurate—but completely uninspiring.
Let’s break it down.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Orthodontist
Company: Smile Dental Group
Location: Houston, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
Smile Dental Group is looking for an orthodontist to join our dental team. The ideal candidate will have experience with braces and aligners and be able to work with patients of all ages.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform orthodontic assessments
- Develop treatment plans
- Apply and adjust braces and aligners
- Monitor patient progress
- Maintain accurate records
Qualifications
- DDS or DMD degree
- Completed orthodontic residency
- State dental license
- 2+ years of experience
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to: careers@smiledentalgroup.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🧯 Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just saying “Orthodontist” gives no context. Is it entry-level? Lead? Are you looking for someone to manage a team or just see patients?
A stronger title would add clarity and purpose—something like “Orthodontic Specialist for Family-Focused Dental Practice in Houston.”
2. The Introduction Is Cold and Forgettable
There’s no reason for a candidate to care. No mention of who Smile Dental Group is, what makes them different, or why someone would want to join.
It reads like a placeholder—not a pitch.
3. No Culture, No Values, No Personality
There’s nothing about:
- What kind of patients you serve
- What the team is like
- What your mission is
It tells the candidate what to do—but not why it matters or who they’ll be doing it with.
4. No Mention of Salary, Benefits, or Perks
Leaving this out creates unnecessary friction. Candidates today expect transparency—and skipping compensation info can feel evasive or outdated.
5. The Responsibilities Are Too Broad
Anyone could have written this list. It doesn’t reflect your clinic’s systems, tools, or treatment style. And it definitely doesn’t make the role sound exciting.
6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is one of the coldest phrases in hiring. It tells applicants:
“We don’t value your time or effort enough to follow up.”
Compare that to:
“We use WorkScreen to evaluate every application fairly, and we promise to keep you updated throughout the process.”
One builds trust. The other builds indifference.
7. No CTA—Just an Email Address
There’s no excitement, no encouragement, and no direction. In a world full of job listings, this one doesn’t stand a chance.
Bottom Line:
This post checks boxes—but completely misses the opportunity to attract the right orthodontist. It’s not personal, it’s not persuasive, and it’s not modern.
Bonus Tips: 4 Small Additions That Make a Big Difference
Once you’ve written the main parts of your job post, it’s tempting to hit “publish” and move on. But taking just 5 extra minutes to add these final touches can set your job post apart—and make top candidates more likely to apply.
Here’s what to include:
✅ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice to Build Trust
Scammy job listings are on the rise. Candidates are wary—and rightfully so. Adding a clear privacy statement helps reassure them that your company is legitimate and respectful of their information.
📌 Add this to the end of your post or your careers page:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: We take the security and privacy of job applicants seriously. We will never ask for personal financial information, payment of any kind, or bank details during any part of the hiring process.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
While many clinics talk about compensation, few mention time off—even though candidates deeply value work-life balance.
📌 Example phrasing:
Enjoy 20 paid days off annually (plus holidays) to recharge, travel, or spend time with your family—because great care starts with a well-rested team.
Even if your policy is standard, saying it out loud matters.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training, Mentorship, or Growth Opportunities
Top candidates care about where they’re going—not just where they’ll start. If you offer CE support, mentorship, or promotion paths, call them out.
📌 Example phrasing:
We invest in our team. You’ll have access to paid CE, hands-on training, and opportunities to mentor or lead within 12–18 months of joining.
This is especially powerful in entry-level or associate roles.
✅ Tip 4: Include a Loom or Video Message from the Hiring Manager
We mentioned this earlier in the job descriptions, but it’s worth emphasizing here: a short video (even 60 seconds) builds massive trust.
📌 What to include in the video:
- Quick intro to the clinic and team
- What makes this role exciting
- Why the hiring manager is excited to meet applicants
Candidates are far more likely to apply if they can see who they’ll be working with.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
These additions aren’t fluff—they’re what make your post feel real.
And in a world full of copy-paste job listings, that’s exactly what great candidates are looking for.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions? Yes—but only if you do it right.
AI writing tools are everywhere now. And we get it—plugging in a job title and getting a full post in 5 seconds feels efficient.
But here’s the problem:
If you let AI write your job post from scratch without context, you’ll end up with something generic, vague, and forgettable.
That’s exactly what your top candidates don’t respond to.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
Most people type something like this into ChatGPT:
“Write a job post for an orthodontist.”
And what they get is the same lifeless, checklist-driven job post we just broke down earlier. It sounds fine… until you realize it could have been written for any clinic, anywhere.
You don’t want that.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Use AI as a writing partner, not a replacement for your voice.
Give it the raw ingredients, like:
- What your clinic does
- Who your patients are
- What kind of orthodontist you’re looking for
- Your benefits, culture, tone, and values
- Specific responsibilities or systems you use (e.g., Invisalign, DentalMonitoring)
Then prompt it like this:
“Help me write a job post for [Your Clinic Name]. We’re hiring an [Orthodontist/Job Title] to help with [key responsibilities]. Our culture is [collaborative, growth-oriented, etc.], and we want to attract candidates who are [traits you value]. We offer [insert benefits] and pay [insert range]. Here’s how our hiring process works: [brief outline]. I’ve written some notes to help [paste notes]—please use them to shape a clear, conversational, trustworthy job post.”
You can even add:
“Model it after this job post format: [insert a link or paste in one of your great job posts from earlier].”
Let AI help with flow, formatting, or phrasing—but keep the soul of your job post human.
Bottom Line
AI is a powerful tool—but only if you teach it who you are first.
Don’t let it write your job post in a vacuum. That’s how you end up sounding like everyone else.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read through this guide and know what makes a great job post. But you still need a strong foundation you can plug into your ATS or careers page today.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Orthodontist – [Company Name]
Location: [Location]
Job Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
Salary Range: [$XXX,XXX – $XXX,XXX/year]
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Watch this short video to learn what it’s like to work at [Company Name]:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Transform Smiles. Build Confidence. Grow With Us.
At [Company Name], we do more than align teeth—we help patients feel confident, empowered, and cared for. As a team of passionate dental professionals, we’re committed to delivering orthodontic care with empathy, precision, and heart.
We’re currently hiring an orthodontist who wants more than just a job. Someone who wants to join a team, shape patient experiences, and grow alongside a practice that values people first—both patients and staff.
🏢 Who We Are
[Company Name] is a patient-centered orthodontic practice that’s been serving the [Region/City] area for over [X] years. We specialize in [braces, Invisalign, early interceptive treatment, etc.], and we take pride in creating a supportive environment—for both patients and staff.
🛠️ What You’ll Do
- Diagnose and treat orthodontic concerns using modern tools and techniques
- Create treatment plans and guide patients through their care journeys
- Collaborate with assistants, hygienists, and front-desk staff
- Use digital tools to streamline workflows and improve outcomes
🎯 Who We’re Looking For
- DDS or DMD with completed orthodontic residency
- Licensed (or license-eligible) to practice in [State]
- Strong communicator who connects with patients of all ages
- Growth-oriented and collaborative in a team setting
❤️ Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll join a clinic that values teamwork, empathy, and autonomy
- You’ll have a real say in patient experience and clinical systems
- You’ll be part of a team that supports personal and professional growth
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Competitive base salary + performance bonuses
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off + holidays
- CE allowance and licensing support
- 401(k) options + wellness perks
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate all candidates based on skills—not just resumes.
Click below to complete your short application. We review every submission and respond within 7 business days.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
📄 Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Orthodontist – [Company Name]
Location: [Location]
Job Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
Salary Range: [$XXX,XXX – $XXX,XXX/year]
🎥 Meet the Hiring Manager
Watch this quick intro to hear what makes our clinic a great place to work:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Job Summary
[Company Name] is seeking a licensed orthodontist to join our growing team. In this role, you’ll assess patients, create custom treatment plans, and collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver excellent care and lasting results.
🏢 Who We Are
We are a [family-focused, tech-enabled, community-based, etc.] practice that believes orthodontic care should be efficient, transparent, and genuinely supportive. With a strong reputation in [City/Region], we’re growing our team to meet increasing patient demand.
🔧 Responsibilities
- Evaluate orthodontic needs and design treatment plans
- Oversee placement of braces, aligners, and appliances
- Monitor patient progress and make adjustments as needed
- Document procedures and coordinate with dental team
📌 Requirements
- DDS or DMD + orthodontic residency
- Licensed or license-eligible in [State]
- Excellent clinical and communication skills
- Team player with attention to detail
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus structure
- Full benefits: health, dental, and vision
- Paid holidays and vacation time
- CE support and licensing reimbursement
- Flexible scheduling and growth opportunities
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to assess candidates quickly and fairly.
Click the link below to start your application. It only takes a few minutes and helps us get to know your strengths beyond your resume.
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Ready to Hire Smarter? Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step.
Writing a great job post is only half the battle. The real challenge comes next: sorting through dozens (or even hundreds) of applications—and figuring out who’s actually qualified.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
🔍 Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
🧪 Easily run one-click skill evaluations
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🚫 Eliminate low-effort applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
👉 Get started with WorkScreen.io now
If you want to hire faster, avoid costly mistakes, and build a team that truly fits your practice…
It’s fast, easy to set up, and built to help you make smarter, more confident hiring decisions.
FAQ: Orthodontist Job Description
Both are dental professionals—but their focus is different. A dentist handles general oral health (like cleanings, fillings, and crowns), while an orthodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating alignment issues with the teeth and jaws. Orthodontists complete additional years of residency training after dental school, focused on braces, aligners, bite correction, and facial development.
If you’re hiring, remember: all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Always confirm orthodontic specialty training and board eligibility when screening applicants.
In addition to clinical expertise, look for:
- Strong communication skills – to explain treatment plans to patients and families
- Attention to detail – critical for planning and adjusting appliances
- Empathy and patience – especially important for treating children or long-term cases
- Team collaboration – they’ll work closely with assistants, hygienists, and front-desk staff
- Adaptability to tech – comfort with digital scanners, aligner software, and virtual monitoring is a big plus
Great orthodontists combine precision with people skills.
As of 2025, the average annual salary for an orthodontist in the U.S. ranges between $180,000 and $280,000, depending on factors like:
- Geographic location
- Years of experience
- Patient volume
- Whether the role is in private practice, corporate dentistry, or a DSO
- Bonus structures or equity stakes
If you’re hiring, be transparent about salary ranges to attract serious, qualified candidates.
If your clinic treats a lot of children and teens, yes—this is a big advantage. Pediatric patients require more patience, simplified explanations, and trust-building with both the child and their parents.
Even if the orthodontist doesn’t specialize in pediatrics, past experience working with kids can signal emotional intelligence and adaptability—two traits that are hard to teach.
Watch out for:
- Vague explanations about gaps in employment
- Lack of recent continuing education
- Poor references or reluctance to provide them
- Inability to explain treatment philosophy or past case work clearly
- Minimal questions during the interview (top candidates are curious)
Trust your instincts—but back them up with structured evaluations and references.
