Dental Assistant

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Lead Dental Assistant, the Dental Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring patient comfort and facilitating dental procedures. This position involves preparing patients for treatment, obtaining dental records, sterilizing instruments, and providing essential support to dental professionals. Dental Assistants also assist with patient education on postoperative and general oral health care. Essential

Duties and Responsibilities

• Patient Care o Makes patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepares them for treatment and obtains dental records. o Hands instruments and materials to dentist and keeps patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. o Sterilizes and disinfects instruments and equipment. Prepares tray setups for dental procedures and instructs patients on postoperative and general oral health care. o Prepares materials for making impressions and restorations, exposes radiographs, and processes dental x-ray film as directed by the dentist. o Charts conditions of decay and diseases for diagnosis and treatment by dentist. o Removes sutures, applies topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, removes excess cement used in the filling process, and places rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them from individual treatment.
• Laboratory Duties o Makes casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions. o Cleans and polishes removable appliances.
• Office Duties o Schedules and confirms appointments. o Receives patients. o Keeps treatment records. o Sends bills and receives payments. o Monitors level of dental and office supplies, makes replenishments and ensures appropriate level at all times.
• Performs other duties that may be assigned from time to time. Education and Experience: 1. High school diploma or equivalent with certification from an accredited dental assisting program offered by community colleges, junior colleges, trade schools, or technical institutes. 2. No previous experience in dental assisting is necessary. Comprehensive training will be provided to equip the selected individual for successful performance in this role. 3. Demonstrates behavioral maturity, patience, diplomacy, and tact when dealing with patients, especially in challenging situations. 4. Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with colleagues, patients, and customers. 5. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to provide clear instructions and ensure patient comfort and confidence during treatments. 6. High sensitivity to patient needs and anxieties, motivating them to undergo treatments and procedures. 7. Excellent manual dexterity skills. 8. Upholds strong ethics and maintains a high level of personal and professional integrity. 9. Knowledgeable about federal and state laws and regulations related to healthcare management. 10. Proficient in using MS Office programs and computer-literate.