Dental Assistant Job Description: Start Date Mid April/Early May

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for assisting the dentist in the clinical treatment of patients

SPECIFIC DUTIES
Patient Management
o Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time
o Set up treatment rooms for procedures
o Escort patients to treatment room
o Seat patients in treatment rooms
o Show care and concern, and help patients feel comfortable
o Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol
o Ensure patients are always attended
o Anticipate and assist dentist’s needs
o Perform expanded functions and other tasks as assigned by the dentist
o Mix dental materials
o Ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave
o Chart patients and record date, service rendered and any charges
o Escort patients from the treatment room
o Ensure proper treatment notes are recorded in patient’s chart
o Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by dentist
o Give patient instruction and demonstrate when necessary
o Monitor patient flow
o Notify Treatment Coordinator if a patient should be called in the evening after a difficult appointment
Treatment Room Management and Sterilization
o Keep dental units ready, stocked and clean
o Oversee cleanliness of the treatment room according to sterilization procedures
o Disinfect treatment rooms according to OSHA regulations
o Sterilize all instruments and handpieces according to OSHA regulations
o Keep trays, instruments and treatment room drawers organized
o Ensure that office sterilization procedures document is on display
o Promptly send out and monitor all dental laboratory cases
o Implement the preventative maintenance/cleaning schedule for dental equipment
o Maintain dental office emergency kits and nitrous and oxygen tanks
o Follow laboratory procedures according to office protocol
Records Management
o Securely store and handle patient records in compliance with state and federal requirements, including
the HIPAA privacy and security regulations
o Accurately file patient information
o Arrange patient charts and radiographs for next day’s appointments
o Track cases and referrals to and from other doctors
o Assist in the administration of the recall system

Inventory Management
o Monitor inventory and order dental office supplies as needed
o Ensure that treatment rooms are stocked at all times

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience
o High school diploma or equivalent
o Graduate of accredited dental assisting program or dental assisting experience preferred
o Coursework in dental instruments and procedures
o Compliance with state dental practice requirements (e.g., x-ray requirements, OSHA training)
o Computer skills [list computer skills required and any specific dental software]
o Commitment to CE for career development

Interpersonal
o Good interpersonal skills to maintain effective rapport with patients, dentists, other staff members and
community
o Effective verbal skills to communicate with patients and staff