Prosthodontal Assistant

The Prosthodontal Assistant works under the Prothsodontist's supervision to prepare equipment that will be used in dentistry procedures, get patients ready for these procedures, and help the dentist during these procedures by passing instruments, holding the suction catheter in place, and generally anticipating the dentist's needs. Additional responsibilities may include sophisticated functions such as removing sutures, processing x-rays, and taking impressions or intra oral scans to be used for diagnostic or prosthetic procedures. This role has an emphasis on promoting communication throughout the Practice, perform administrative duties relative to patient relations, and thrive by taking a very systematic and meticulous approach to data entry and record keeping as needed. The role will facilitate check-out area activities and is responsible for the continuation of delivering an exceptional patient experience.  

Administrative Duties:

• Greets patients as they complete their visit and obtains information needed to schedule follow-up appointments.
• Updates patient chart; takes chart to designated area.
• Effectively communicates with clinical and administrative staff to help maintain efficient Practice flow.
• Answers telephone and intercom quietly and courteously and receives and relays messages effectively.
• Maintains and protects each patient's right to confidentiality.
• Monitors the patient reception and waiting areas and neatens areas as needed; restocks patient restroom as needed.
• Identifies emergencies and initiates response according to Practice policy.
• Documents that information received from the patient is disseminated to the appropriate people or departments.
• Reviews schedule one week in advance and prepares as necessary (make sure chart, x-rays, referral letters, pathology reports, models and MRI or CT films with report are available at the appropriate office).
• Telephones patients who missed appointments, documents in established patients’ charts.
• Performs interdepartmental errands when needed.
• Assists with preparation, storage, and maintenance of Practice records and reports.
• Verifies all information on the patient charts during the check-out process, obtains missing information as needed.
• Assists with end of day filing of medical records; verifies all paperwork is secured in chart.
• Performs patient check out (obtaining/verifying insurance information, financial arrangements, collects fees, files pre-treatment estimates, balance collections, etc.).

Clinical Duties:

• Performs a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties, including but not limited to providing chair-side assistance while dentists examine and treat patients.
• Prepares materials for impressions and restorations, takes dental x rays, and processes x-ray film as directed by a dentist.
• Supports and assists the dental and surgical assistants as needed, including, but not limited to cleaning trays, room setups, and cleanups.
• Sterilizes and disinfects instruments and equipment, prepares trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instructs patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
• Ensures patients are as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepares them for treatment, and obtains their dental records.
• Reviews Prosth Evaluation paperwork, consents, and medical history with the patient.
• Completes needs assessment of high-risk patients.
• Manages medical clearances and/or follow up on patients who may have delayed treatment.
• Reviews, coordinates, and collaborates with front office, Prosthodontist, and Oral Surgeon about patients’ health, needs, lab script, and treatment plan finalization.
• Reviews and clarifies medication with patients, along with clarifying medication intake with patients’ medical doctors and any other health history concerns.
• Communicates appropriately to patients and families regarding treatment.
• Participates, as needed, in the marketing efforts to increase patient lead generation.
• Obtains dental records, including, not limited to impressions, x-rays, intra and extra oral pictures, bite registrations and face bow as instructed by the Dentist.
• Educates patients on treatment plans, phases, consent forms, pre op and post op instructions.
• Corresponds with other Doctors and physicians to obtain patient medical clearances as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Completion of accredited 1-year Dental Assisting program plus 1-2 years experience in general dentistry/oral surgery practice; OR Completion of a limited Dental Assistant program plus 3-5 years experience in general dentistry/oral surgery practice
• 2 years clerical & medical front office experience 
• Experience with medical/dental insurances, ICD-10 coding, data entry, appointment/surgery scheduling
• Current BLS certification¹
• Infection control training¹
• Sterile processing certification/experience¹
• Dental Radiography certification²

¹ Or obtained within 90 days of employment

² Or obtained within one year of employment