Dental Assistant

About the Role:

The Dental Assistant plays a critical role in supporting dental professionals to deliver high-quality patient care efficiently and safely. Our practice values treating our patients with compassion and care. We are a specialty office in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and we are looking for a hard-working, fun, and positive individual who wants to make a difference for our pediatric population. This position involves preparing patients for dental procedures, assisting the dentist during treatments, and ensuring that all instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and maintained. The Dental Assistant also manages patient records and appointment scheduling, contributing to a smooth and organized clinical environment. Compassion and effective communication are essential, as the role requires interacting with patients to alleviate anxiety and provide clear instructions. Ultimately, the Dental Assistant helps create a positive patient experience while maintaining strict adherence to infection control and safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program.
• Certification in Dental Assisting (CDA) or equivalent credential recognized in the United States.
• Knowledge of dental terminology, sterilization techniques, and infection control standards.
• Basic proficiency with dental practice management software, preferably Dentrix.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working as a Dental Assistant in a clinical setting.
• Additional certifications such as CPR and First Aid.
• Familiarity with advanced dental procedures and technologies in pediatric dentistry or orthodontics.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to provide compassionate patient care.
• Experience with ergonomic body motion techniques to reduce physical strain during procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare treatment rooms and dental instruments for patient procedures, ensuring all equipment is sterilized and ready for use.
• Assist the dentist during various dental procedures by handing instruments, suctioning, and providing support as needed.
• Manage patient records, including updating dental charts and entering information into dental software systems.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions to promote dental health.
• Maintain strict infection control and sterilization protocols to ensure a safe clinical environment for patients and staff.
• Schedule patient appointments and coordinate with other team members to optimize workflow and patient care.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of dental supplies, ordering materials as necessary to avoid shortages.

Skills:

The required skills such as Dental Assisting and Dental Terminology are essential for accurately supporting dental procedures and communicating effectively with the dental team. Sterilization and Infection Control skills ensure that all instruments and environments meet health and safety standards, protecting both patients and staff. Proficiency in digital software facilitates efficient management of patient records and appointment scheduling, streamlining daily operations. Compassion and strong communication skills are used daily to comfort patients and explain procedures or care instructions clearly. Additionally, knowledge of proper body motion techniques helps the Dental Assistant maintain physical well-being while performing repetitive tasks and assisting during treatments.