PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for assisting the dentist in the clinical treatment of patients

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Patient Management:

Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time

Set up treatment rooms for procedures

Escort patients to treatment room

Seat patients in treatment rooms

Show care and concern, and help patients feel comfortable

Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol

Ensure patients are always attended

Anticipate and assist dentists’ needs

Perform expanded functions and other tasks as assigned by the dentist

Mix dental materials

Ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave

Chart patients and record date, service rendered and any charges

Escort patients from the treatment room

Ensure proper treatment notes are recorded in patient’s chart

Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by dentist

Give patient instructions and demonstrate when necessary

Monitor patient flow

Notify Treatment Coordinator if a patient should be called in the evening after a difficult appointment

Treatment Room Management and Sterilization:

Keep dental units ready, stocked and clean

Oversee cleanliness of the treatment room according to sterilization procedures

Disinfect treatment rooms according to OSHA regulations

Sterilize all instruments and hand pieces according to OSHA regulations

Keep trays, instruments and treatment room drawers organized

Ensure that office sterilization procedures document is on display

Promptly send out and monitor all dental laboratory cases

Ensure correct functioning of sterilization cycles are verified for each sterilizer by the periodic (at least weekly) use of Bis (Spore Testing). In addition to conducting routine biological monitoring, equipment users should perform biological monitoring:

• Whenever a new type of packaging material or tray is used.
• After training new sterilization personnel.
• After a sterilizer has been repaired.
• After any change in the sterilizer loading procedures.

Change cold sterile solutions every 28 days or as required sooner.

Implement the preventative maintenance/cleaning schedule for dental equipment:

Maintain dental office emergency kits and nitrous and oxygen tanks

Follow laboratory procedures according to office protocol

Records Management:

Securely store and handle patient records in compliance with state, federal requirements, including the HIPAA privacy and security regulations

Accurately file patient information

Arrange patient charts and radiographs for next day’s appointments

Track cases and referrals to and from other doctors, as well as any other source

Assist in the administration of the recall system

Inventory Management:

Monitor inventory and order dental office supplies as needed

Ensure that treatment rooms are stocked at all times

Office Participation:

Help in other areas of the office when necessary (i.e., answering phones, unpacking supplies, completing insurance forms, moving former patient records, etc.)

Be an active participant in morning huddle/team meetings

Promote team concept by interacting with others in the office

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent

Graduate of accredited dental assisting program or dental assisting experience preferred

Coursework in dental instruments and procedures

Compliance with state dental practice requirements (e.g., x-ray requirements, OSHA training)

Computer skills [list computer skills required and any specific dental software]

Commitment to CE for career development

Interpersonal:

Good interpersonal skills to maintain effective rapport with patients, dentists, other staff members and community

Effective verbal skills to communicate with patients and staff

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Dental assisting: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• X-Ray Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person