Dental Assistant I

The Dental Assistant’s primary responsibility is to provide dental assisting services to the dental care provider while building and maintaining positive and professional relationships with patients. Will perform necessary tasks before and after the dentist meets with the patient as well as assist the dentist during certain dental procedures. The Dental Assistant must possess the ability to provide direct patient care in a dental practice setting, inform patients regarding oral care, and assist with office administrative duties. The Dental Assistant candidate will have the ability to multitask efficiently and communicate effectively. The ideal candidate will also possess computer operation knowledge and a willingness to provide a valuable level of customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assisting the dentist and hygienist during a variety of treatment procedures.
• Asking about the patient’s medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse.
• Serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental procedures, such as the placement of a filling or restoration.
• Teaching patient appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling);
• Taking impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth);
• Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a computer;
• Communicating with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies).

Skills/ Abilities

• Two to Three years’ experience in a dental office setting
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writings.
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to multi-task and provide administrative office assistance if necessary (e.g., answer phones, schedule patient appointments, call back patients, etc.
• Knowledgeable of Eaglesoft dental Practice Management software.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in a sedentary environment
• Position may require long periods of standing or walking
• Regular and recurring back bending may be required.
• Carrying of light packages (e. g. 10 to 25 lbs.) may be required.

Job Factors:

Mental Requirements: Must be able to make sound judgement based on assessment and data available and act accordingly. Must be able to be flexible, innovative, and work independently. Must possess good interpersonal skills and ability to prioritize multiple functions or tasks.

Hours:

Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including week days, some weekends, evenings, and holidays if needed.

Travel:

Some travel between sites may be necessary.

Supervisory Relationships:

Responsible directly to the Site Leader.