Hi,

1. You CAN be a regular dental hygienist and still work at an Orthodontic Practice.

2. You DO NOT need more schooling.

3. You will, however do mostly child prophy and fluoride treatment.

4. I would make a routine to recommend the use of the following (on top of regular oral hygiene instructions) :

i) "ACT" or any other fluoride rinse

ii) Most of them will have braces on their teeth. So, use of proxy brush is recommended for better cleaning underneath and around wire / brackets.

iii) The use of disclosing tablets would be ideal

5. The pay should be higher because as a whole that practice WILL be making more money. However, it depends on the following :

i) Your work experience

ii) How you can market yourself. If you are efficient (assuming you are quick and at the same time do GOOD job), you will produce more. Therefore, you will earn your share, which will be higher.

iii) How much they are willing to pay

Hope this helps

Good luck !!