Dental Assistant

Reports To: Clinic Manager, Team Leader, and Lead Dental Assistant

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: RDA/CDA in state working, CPR Required.

Job Summary: Assists dentists, performs clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Prepare patient operatory and equipment and assists the doctor during examination and treatment. Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of patients. The goal is to serve and provide superior support to dentists and to be an example of respect and caring for our customers and office personnel.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicates with the patients and parents effectively.
  
• Prepares all treatment rooms in advance for each patient.
  
• Changes all chemical solutions, i.e., disinfectant soaks and sprays, sterilants, ultrasonic, pre-soak.
  
• Handles hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
  
• Restocks all treatment rooms and other clinical support areas.
  
• Seats patients in designated treatment rooms in a timely fashion.
  
• Reviews medical history, progress from the previous visit, if applicable, and the scheduled treatment plan with each patient.
  
• Informs the doctor when patient is ready.
  
• Takes x-rays.
  
• Assists the doctor by passing instruments, aspirating intra-oral fluids and mixing materials.
  
• Pour, trims and polishes impression casts.
  
• Applies protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
  
• Records treatment rendered in the patient's chart and charges out all procedures.
  
• Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
  
• Provides postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
  
• Escorts patient to the business area for follow-up and re-scheduling or will complete chairside
  
• Decontaminates all treatment rooms after each appointment.
  
• Sterilizes instruments and equipment after each patient appointment.
  
• Maintains cleanliness of treatment rooms, dark room, lab and sterilizing area.
  
• Ensures proper clinical supply levels.
  
• Supports the vision and values
  
• Is emotionally and mentally mature.
  
• Treats patients, visitors and co-workers with respect and courtesy.
  
• Participates in teamwork.
  
• Communicates in a courteous and professional manner.
  
• Adheres to dress code standards, appearance is neat and clean.
  
• Can accept constructive criticism. Is proficient in using conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques in managing interpersonal conflict and patient complaints.
  
• Is organized, motivated, committed and self-directed.
  
• Demonstrates ability to use assigned computer software and other equipment.
  
• Completes annual education and/or licensing requirements if applicable.
  
• Maintains dependable job attendance.
  
• Complies with all policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
  
• Complies with all OSHA policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
  
• Adheres to all safety and infection control rules.
  
• Uses appropriate safety equipment.
  
• Complies with HIPAA and maintains confidential information.
  
• Reports ethics and compliance violations to Human Resources.
  
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  

Skills:

• Ability to work well with public.
  
• Excellent communication skills.
  
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
  
• Extensive organization skills.
  
• Excellent attention to detail.
  
• Ability to multi-task.
  
• Excellent time management skills.
  

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to do the following.

• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and/or move, push/pull objects up to 50 pounds.
  
• Perform detailed work, using arms, hands and fingers to manipulate the required office equipment.
  
• Sit for long periods.
  
• Use repetitive motion of the hands and arms.
  
• Use good eye hand coordination and manual dexterity.
  
• Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The noise level is usually moderate. Since everyone within the practice works on a time schedule governed by patients’ appointments, the work and general environment can become somewhat hectic at times. Therefore, it is essential that the employee is able to, both physically and emotionally, effectively handle the normal anxieties associated with the job. Periodic travel to various locations may be required.