Clinical Dental Assistant

Certified Dental Assistant

Full-Time or Part-Time Position

Chestnut Dental is a highly regarded private family practice specializing in Pediatric and Adult Dentistry, and Orthodontics who strives to provide superior experience with the highest quality dental care. We treat our patients as we would our family and are committed to their optimal health.

As a CDA team member, you will quickly learn that we hold our employees in the same regard.

Overview:   

Performs a variety of dental assisting duties to promote quality dental care for our patients consistent with the caring philosophy of Chestnut Dental.   All responsibilities are to be performed with accuracy, efficiency, and a team-oriented emphasis. 

Reports to:  

Department Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Supervisor (per location)

Physical Requirements:  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Must withstand the stress and demands of an active position, including standing for extended periods of time, walking, stooping, bending, and sitting.  Requires manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination, and adequate vision. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear; stand for extended periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to blood and blood-borne pathogens and/or physical risks, which will require OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training.

Job Specifications:

• Current Dental Assisting License issued by the Board of Registration in Dentistry per Massachusetts law.
• Current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification
• Completion of required annual continuing dental education units. 
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification 
• Hepatitis Vaccination as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC (Centers for Disease Control))

Clinical Responsibilities:

• Set up and close sterilization room daily (autoclave, ultrasonic, etc.)
• Review patient charts at the beginning of the shift and review all health history forms with patients, updating as needed.
• Check that units are ready, stocked, and clean at the beginning of each appointment.
• Greet and escort patient to operatory, seat patient and confirm proper setup available for procedure to be performed.  Show care and concern for patients.  Remain in operatory with patient.
• Review procedure with the patient and/or parent and answer any questions asked.
• Make sure Donning and Doffing is done according to OSHA regulations and all appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is always worn.
• Anticipate and assist doctors' needs.
• Perform clinical procedures, including taking extra oral and intra oral x-rays.
• Provide patient education, oral hygiene instruction and demonstration as needed. Make sure the patient/parent receives and understands all post-operative instructions.

• Pour impressions, separate models from impression trays, trim models; fabricate appliances.
• Send out all lab cases to appropriate labs and track their return.
• Clear units of used instruments and properly prepare for sterilization process. 
• Assist in use and maintenance of equipment, i.e., autoclave, Statim, ultrasonic, suction, PAN/CEPH x-ray unit, O2 and N20 units, handpieces, model trimmer.
• Chart all patients and record date, treatment performed and appropriate charges. 
• Retrieve specialty referrals at doctors' request.
• At end of each visit dismiss patient, make sure chart is complete indicating procedure completed and treatment proposed for next visit. 
• Prepare route slip for check-out. Make sure the fees are correct before going out. 
• Escort patients to check-out area and give scheduling information to front desk personnel.
• Inventory supplies and maintain ordering system.

• Participate fully in ongoing staff development through staff meetings, continuing education courses, evaluations and assisting in the development of best practices for the department.
• Adhere to all CDA policies and procedures regarding code of conduct, attendance, appearance, administrative requests, confidentiality, etc.

• Ensures departmental compliance with CDA’s safety, OSHA, and HIPAA programs with program coordinators.

• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Competencies:

• Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills and is proficient in written and oral communication.
• Maintains an outgoing, friendly attitude with patients and staff, always showing professional and ethical behavior.
• Ability to effectively manage time and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and through schedule interruptions and changes. Be able to multi-task frequently. Use down time wisely. 
• Supports doctor leadership team by maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of current dentistry practices, CDA policies and procedures and by staying current with industry trends.
• Works cooperatively with doctors, administrator, managers, supervisors, and colleagues, and is a leader and resource to all team members. 

Chestnut Dental is an Equal Opportunity Employer.