The dental assistant is a team player who coordinates with dentists and fellow assistants to help provide patient care, facilitate clinical flow, maintain patient records and keep dental equipment in working condition. The dental assistant will work in a team setting that provides communication support to patients and their families, physicians, and clinic staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Helping to provide direct patient care including general dentistry, endodontics, and oral surgery.
Preparing patient charts in advance of appointments for dental work.
Recording treatment information in patient charts.
Technical and troubleshooting skills to work with a variety of dental, medical, scheduling and other organization software in the office
Knowledge of dental instruments
Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays) and scans (CBCT).
Taking patients’ vital signs and medical history.
Assisting the dentists during a variety of endodontic treatment procedures.
Assisting dentists in managing medical and dental emergencies when necessary.
Creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for patients before, during and after dental treatment.
Educating patients on holistic oral health and wellness.
Educating patients on oral care following treatment and surgery.
Helping with infection control by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting with dental procedures.
Communicating with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing, and ordering supplies).
Maintenance and care for dental equipment.
Helping maintain inventory of dental supplies and equipment.
Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer.
Serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol, and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
Ensuring all equipment is accounted for at the end of the day.
Working together with other staff to help with the flow of the day.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to provide great patient care
Professional appearance and attitude
Experience using computers for a variety of tasks
Good written and verbal communication skills
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
High school diploma or equivalent
Certification or associates degree in an accredited dental assisting program
1+ years in a dental office
Completion of dental hygiene program preferred
Dental x-ray certification preferred
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience with EMR (electronic medical records), medical terminology a plus
