Dental Assistant

Dental assistant

I.

Position Summary

Responsible for assisting the Dentist in the clinical treatment of patients by providing high quality care.

Ii. Essential functions/Responsibilities

• Greet, escort and seat patients for appointment to and from treatment rooms ensuring proper set up procedures.
• Obtain and review health history according to office procedures.
• Perform expanded functions and other task as assigned by the Dentist (as allowed by state regulations) and Clinical Coordinator.
• Mix dental materials.
• Provide patient instructions and ensure all patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave providing demonstration when necessary.
• Chart all patients and record date and service rendered.
• Ensure proper treatment notes are records in patient’s chart.
• Monitor patient flow.
• Notify Clinical Coordinator if a patient should be called in the evening after a difficult appointment.
• Check to ensure that dental units are ready, stocked, and clean at all times
• Oversee cleanliness of the treatment room according to sterilization procedures
• Follow laboratory procedures according to office procedures
• Assemble soiled instruments, place in sterilization area, and sort / package instruments by tray for proper sterilization
• Clean operatory surfaces with disinfectant solution according to OSHA regulations
• Load, activate, and vent the sterilization unit according to manufacturer’s directions and OSHA regulations
• Store sterilized instruments and trays in appropriate places
• Dispose of biohazard material and Developer/Fixer according to OSHA and Office Procedures
• See that records are stored securely and handled in compliance with legal requirements, including the HIPAA privacy and security regulations if applicable
• Accurately combine chart and notes with larger patient information
• Complete X-Ray Log as appropriate
• Know location of and how to use MSDS Log
• Provide referral to and from other doctors to guardian as instructed by Dentist
• Promote team concept by interacting with others in the office
• Monitor inventory and provide list dental office supplies needed to Clinical Coordinator
• Ensure that treatment rooms are stocked at all times
• Help in other areas of the office when necessary (i.e., phones, unpacking supplies, completing insurance forms, moving dismissed patient records, general office appearance, etc.)

Iii. Dental assistant qualifications / Skills

• Dental health maintenance
• Use of dental technology
• Infection control
• Patient services
• Creating a safe, effective environment
• Listening
• Teamwork
• Bedside manner
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Use of medical technologies
• Performing diagnostic procedures

III. Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 1+ years in a dental office
• Experience with EMR (electronic medical records), medical terminology a plus