Description

Overview of Job

The Dental Assistant provides not only advanced technical assistance, but also provides a reassuring and pleasing experience for the patient. Chair side assistance to the Doctor includes preparation of treatment rooms, instruments and tray setups for dental procedures, technical assistance during examinations and treatments, and other services requested by the Doctor. This position is responsible for a wide range of tasks in the dental office, ranging from patient care to administrative duties to laboratory functions. Proficiency and a positive attitude are cornerstones of this position.

Primary Responsibilities and Tasks

• Records treatment information in the patient’s chart, including treatment rendered, the type of treatment planned and the amount of chair time, doctor time and assistant time needed for next appointment.
• Scheduling patient appointments.
• Assists the doctor by passing instruments, aspirating intra-oral fluids, mixing materials and medicaments during examinations or treatment.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room and prepping them for care by the doctor.
• Exposing quality dental x-rays for diagnostics and caring for dental equipment
• Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilization of all instruments, cleaning and restocking.
• Maintains cleanliness of the lab, sterilization area, and operatories. Check off log sheets.
• Changes all chemical solutions, i.e., disinfectant soaks and sprays, sterilant, ultrasonic, and presoak 
• Reviews patient’s medical history, progress from the previous visit, if applicable, and the scheduled treatment plan with each patient. Collect patient vital signs.
• Ensure both treatment plans and consent forms are signed before treatment is rendered.
• Provide post operative instructions as directed by the dentist.
• Takes impressions or digital scan for restorative models, opposing models, and bite registration.
• Follow clinical opening and closing procedures for the office.
• Inspects patient’s oral cavity and charts lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.
• Helps administer nitrous oxide to patients as applicable.
• Assist Lead DA with any periodic facility or equipment maintenance
• Monitors incoming and outgoing lab cases.
• Maintaining inventory and alerting Lead DA when orders needed.
• In addition to these duties, expanded function dental assistant tasks may be required based on specific state guidelines.

Key Competencies and Characteristics

• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and accept constructive feedback.
• Outstanding communication and customer service skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Reliable and dependable.
• Thrives in a team-based environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Consistently professional appearance and attitude.

Requirements

Education and Training

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one-year related experience and /or training; or equivalent of combination of education and experience in the dental profession.
• Valid X-ray certificate.
• Current license if CDA, RDA, or EFDA (per state requirements).
• CPR & first aid certificate.

FLSA Status: Hourly

Reports to: Operations Manager