Dental Assistant

About the Role

• The Dental Assistant plays a critical role in supporting dental professionals to deliver high-quality patient care efficiently and safely.
• Our practice values treating our patients with compassion and care.
• We are a specialty office in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and we are looking for a hard-working, fun, and positive individual who wants to make a difference for our pediatric population.
• This position involves preparing patients for dental procedures, assisting the dentist during treatments, and ensuring that all instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and maintained.
• The Dental Assistant also manages patient records and appointment scheduling, contributing to a smooth and organized clinical environment.
• Compassion and effective communication are essential, as the role requires interacting with patients to alleviate anxiety and provide clear instructions.
• Ultimately, the Dental Assistant helps create a positive patient experience while maintaining strict adherence to infection control and safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program.
• Certification in Dental Assisting (CDA) or equivalent credential recognized in the United States.
• Knowledge of dental terminology, sterilization techniques, and infection control standards.
• Basic proficiency with dental practice management software, preferably Dentrix.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Dental Assistant in a clinical setting.
• Additional certifications such as CPR and First Aid.
• Familiarity with advanced dental procedures and technologies in pediatric dentistry or orthodontics.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to provide compassionate patient care.
• Experience with ergonomic body motion techniques to reduce physical strain during procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare treatment rooms and dental instruments for patient procedures, ensuring all equipment is sterilized and ready for use.
• Assist the dentist during various dental procedures by handing instruments, suctioning, and providing support as needed.
• Manage patient records, including updating dental charts and entering information into dental software systems.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions to promote dental health.
• Maintain strict infection control and sterilization protocols to ensure a safe clinical environment for patients and staff.
• Schedule patient appointments and coordinate with other team members to optimize workflow and patient care.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of dental supplies, ordering materials as necessary to avoid shortages.

Skills

• The required skills such as Dental Assisting and Dental Terminology are essential for accurately supporting dental procedures and communicating effectively with the dental team.
• Sterilization and Infection Control skills ensure that all instruments and environments meet health and safety standards, protecting both patients and staff.
• Proficiency in digital software facilitates efficient management of patient records and appointment scheduling, streamlining daily operations.
• Compassion and strong communication skills are used daily to comfort patients and explain procedures or care instructions clearly.
• Additionally, knowledge of proper body motion techniques helps the Dental Assistant maintain physical well-being while performing repetitive tasks and assisting during treatments.