Dental Assistant

TITLE: Oral Surgery Dental Assistant - Full-Time

REPORTS TO: Oral Surgeon and Management Team

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for, but not limited to, obtaining patient information, assisting oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, and dental anesthesiologist, providing patient education, performing x-rays, maintaining clinical records, running and auditing the oral surgery schedule, and overseeing patient care to completion. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Prepare and set up for surgery before the start of each appointment and ensure correct equipment and supplies are available.
• Manage airway of sedated patient under direction of oral surgeon and in compliance with AAOMS, ADA, and Virginia Board of Dentistry.
• Place cardiac leads, BP cuff, Pulse Oximetry, and End Tidal CO2.
• Prepare sedation and therapeutic drugs for use during anesthesia appointments. 
• Safely and effectively assist the doctor by providing four handed dentistry.
• Produce quality diagnostic images for interpretation. 
• Complete biopsy request forms, keep records of biopsies sent, receive and ensure that all necessary biopsy work is returned and read for each appointment. 
• Clean and sterilize instruments, decontaminate equipment and clinical spaces, dispose of sharps and clinical waste in accordance with infection control procedures and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Advise patients regarding pre-op and post-op care. 
• Obtain relevant patient information including healthy history, dental history, and vitals. 
• Schedule appointments. 
• Monitor patients prior to, during, and while recovering from general anesthesia, conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and local anesthesia appointments and react appropriately to changes in patient response. 
• Perform all clinical skills within scope of nursing practices in accordance with AAOMS, ADA, and Virginia Board of Dentistry. 
• Perform tasks and procedures as directed including, but not limited to: complete consent forms, enter clinical notes and treatment plan into patient’s electronic record, complete prescriptions, complete and scan anesthesia records, and post appropriate dental codes at completion of procedure..  
• Complete medical clearance request forms, fax to appropriate offices, keep records of medical clearances sent, receive and ensure that all necessary medical clearance is returned and reviewed with the doctor prior to scheduling patients for treatment. Communicate to the patient all necessary information related to medical changes required for surgery.
• Ensure accurate record keeping of required weekly drug count, in accordance with AAOMS, ADA, DEA, and Virginia Board of Dentistry. 
• Maintain documentation of monthly maintenance reports for: AED, Zoll, Zoe, Autoclave (including weekly spore testing), CBCT/Panoramic machine, Datex-Ohmeda, and all other acquired equipment. 
• Attend, participate, and lead during practice meetings. 
• Communicate with patients regarding concerns and complaints in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Consistently serve as a clinical resource to staff.
• Ensure the practice is meeting or exceeding all requirements related to the dental anesthesia office inspection, in accordance with AAOMS, ADA, CDC, and the Board of Dentistry of Virginia. 
• Maintain and update SDS sheets. 
• Manage services for clinical office equipment. 
• Audit drug inventory and place orders appropriately, ensuring drugs in current inventory are not expired. 
• Stock rooms with all essential supplies.
• Ensure post-op packs and surgical supplies are sterilized and stocked.
• Print chart paperwork, locate consent forms, and prepare surgical white boards for the following surgery day.
• Assist in keeping clean common areas and patient areas of the practice. 
• Wash, dry, fold/hang, store all laundry. 
• Answer phones, send faxes, collect payments, verify insurance, assist reception and perform other clerical duties if required. 
• Perform all closing duties.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of OSHA, HIPAA, and CDC requirements and practice in accordance with their standards. 
• Ability to problem solve and react appropriately to emergency situations. 
• Ability to effectively multitask in a busy environment. 
• Ability and knowledge to perform job duties in a competent manner to promote quality patient care and satisfaction while promoting safety and efficiency in the practice. 
• Oversee daily schedules to ensure timely and smooth transitions between patient appointments. 
• Ability to maintain friendly, productive working relationships with all members of the dental team. 
• Ability to use electronic medical records efficiently, including being able to type at a rate of 40 wpm. 

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to remain in standing position over 75% of the day.
• Exposure to both constant and intermittent loud noises and high frequency sounds. 
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. 
• Exposure to OSHA regulated chemicals and biohazards.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Exposure to nitrous oxide.

LICENSING

• CPR certification
• X-Ray certification

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of one (1) year experience in dental or clinical office setting. 2 years of chairside experience preferred.

Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance