Training for dental assistants at the heart of excellence

In the demanding field of orthodontics, the quality of care depends as much on the practitioner’s expertise as on the skills of the team. It is with this in mind that the Olsburgh Smile Foundation has made it a key part of its mission to train and support dental assistants.

Dental assistants play a key role in the running of an orthodontic practice. Although laws and accreditations vary worldwide regarding their training and the tasks that may be delegated to them, continuing professional development can play a significant role in the running of an orthodontic practice, the quality of the treatment provided, as well as patient satisfaction and the practice’s reputation. Such training also helps dental assistants acquire the knowledge needed to thrive in their work and feel more confident in a specialist field that remains one of the most complex areas of dentistry.

In 2024, the Foundation set up a continuing professional development programme in orthodontics for dental assistants specialising, taking into account their role, the scope of their work and their responsibilities. This training is delivered by experienced specialists. It takes place in small groups once a year and comprises theoretical and practical training in the following three main areas: clinical, administrative and interpersonal skills. The basic module is aimed at dental assistants who have recently joined or wish to join an orthodontic practice, whilst the advanced module is aimed at those with experience in such practices. The training is offered by the Foundation and leads to a diploma and continuing professional development credits.

In the first year, the training sessions took place on 21 September and 23 November 2024 in Lausanne, and in the second year on 6 September 2025 in Geneva.