Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant assists in the performance of quality, caring, clinical dentistry by aiding the doctor smoothly and unobtrusively during examinations and treatment. The Dental Assistant performs clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist as well as prepares the operatory and equipment, prepares patient, and maintains awareness of the comfort and safety needs of patients.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Duties

• Prepares all operatories including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilization of all instruments, cleaning and restocking. This includes cleaning of hand pieces, vacuum traps, and sharp instruments.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the lab and sterilization.
• Changes all chemical solutions, i.e., disinfectant soaks and sprays, sterilant, ultrasonic.
• Ensures lights, units, nitrous equipment and automatic processors are turned on prior to the first patient.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the operatory and prepping them for care by the doctor.
• Reviews patient’s medical history, progress from the previous visit, if applicable, and the scheduled treatment plan with each patient.
• Takes all x-rays, including full mouth, panoramic, bitewings and intraoral periapical.
• Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models and pours up models in stove.
• Assists the doctor by passing instruments, aspirating intra-oral fluids, mixing materials and medicaments during examinations or treatment.
• Applies non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agents and fluoride.
• Removes post-extraction and periodontal dressings
• Places and removes rubber dams.
• Pours and trims study models.
• Records treatment information on 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 the next visit.
• Schedules patient appointments as needed for restorative and hygiene.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and takes every precaution to secure Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA.
• Helps administer nitrous oxide to patients as applicable.
• Provides Invisalign instructions to patients as well as post op instructions for extractions, surgery and restorative procedures.
• Reviews the schedule and makes sure lab cases are sent out, checked in and inspected and present at the patient’s appointment.
• Orders supplies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Skilled in the use of standard dental office equipment including: Autoclave, model trimmer, x-ray machine, Pano, Panoramic x-ray, oxygen and nitrous oxide, laser, intra oral camera, Pache gun and hand pieces, Cerec.
• Ability to take blood pressure.
• Knowledge of cross contamination and how to prevent it.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and changes.
• Ability to take radiographs, including FMX, Pano and anterior PA’s.
• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Skilled in the use of standard office equipment and computer software (MS Excel, Word, Practice Management Software).
• Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers and patients.
• Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients.
• Ability to prioritize, organize and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner.
• Ability to accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities.
• Maintain continuing education courses.

Education/ Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduate of accredited dental assisting program
• Two years of dental assisting experience required
• EFDA/EDDA Certification Required

Special Requirements/ Certifications/ Licenses

• Valid x-ray certificate
• CPR and First Aid certificate
• Licenses required for this position must be kept current, valid, and in good standing with the presiding entity.

Physical/ Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must be able to hear staff on the phone and those who are served in-person, and speak clearly in order to communicate information to patients and staff.
• Must be able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms and clinical and administrative documents.
• Must have high manual dexterity.
• Must be able to reach above the shoulder level to work, must be able to bend, squat and sit, stand, stoop, crouch, reach, kneel, twist/turn.