Assists dentists and hygienists in providing primary dental care while managing patient flow and comfort. Responsible for the sterilization of instruments, treatment room maintenance, and clinical records management.
Requirements summary
Requires a High School Diploma and certification as a Dental Assistant, including current CPR certification. Candidates should have experience with ADA accredited programs and compliance with state dental practice and OSHA requirements.
high schoolprofessional certificateInventory ManagementCPR CertificationHIPAA RegulationsPatient EducationOSHA ComplianceRecords ManagementClinical ProceduresPatient ManagementDental ChartingSterilization ProceduresX-ray RequirementsDental Material Mixing
Job description
General summary of duties
Responsible for assisting the Dentist(s) and Dental Hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center.Responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.
Supervision exercised: None
Essential functions
Patient Management
Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time
Escort patients to treatment room
Seat patients and have proper set up for procedures
Show care and concern and help patients feel comfortable
Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol
Try not to leave patient unattended in the chair
Anticipate and assist dentist’s needs at all times
Perform expanded functions and other tasks as assigned by the dentist
Mix dental materials
Ensure all patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave
Chart all patients and record date, service rendered and any changes
Escort patients from the treatment room
Ensure proper treatment notes are recorded in patient’s chart
Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by dentist
Give patient instruction and demonstrate, when necessary
Monitor patient flow
Notify Patient Support Specialist if a patient should be called in the evening after a difficult appointment
Treatment Room Management and Sterilization
Check to ensure that dental units are ready, stocked and clean at all times
Oversee cleanliness of the treatment room according to sterilization procedures
Disinfect treatment rooms according the OSHA regulations
Sterilize all instruments and hand pieces according to OSHA regulations
Organize trays, instruments and treatment room drawers at all times
Ensure that office sterilization procedures document is on display
Send out promptly and monitor all dental laboratory cases
Implement a preventative maintenance/cleaning schedule for dental equipment
Maintain dental office emergency kits and nitrous and oxygen tanks
Follow laboratory procedures according to office protocol
Records Management
See that records are stored securely and handled in compliance with legal requirements, including HIPAA privacy and security regulations, if applicable
Accurately file patient information
Arrange patient charts and radiographs for next day’s appointments
Track cases and referrals to and from other doctors
Assist in the administration of the recall system
Inventory Management
Monitor inventory and order dental office supplies as needed
Ensure that treatment rooms are stocked at all times
Office Participation
Help in other areas of the office when necessary (i.e., phones, unpacking supplies, completing insurance forms, moving dismissed patient records, etc.)
Be an active participant in staff meetings
Promote team concept by interacting with others in the office
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience
High School Diploma; Graduate of an ADA accredited dental assisting program or dental assisting experience preferred; Coursework in dental instruments and procedures; Compliance with state dental practice requirements (i.e., x-ray requirements, OSHA training, etc.); Legible handwriting for notations in patient charts; Computer skills desired; Commitment to continuing education for career development.
Language skills
Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend written documents fluently.
Mathematical skills
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical solutions.
Reasoning ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Certificates, licenses, registrations
Candidate must be a Certified Dental Assistant; Current CPR certification; All candidates will be required to submit to a criminal background check and screening as part of pre-employment.
Physical demands
Prolonged sitting or standing may be required; Those physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordinator normally associated with dental assisting in general practice dentistry will be performed on a repetitive basis; Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered.
The physical requirement and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hand to finger; handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Work environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
