Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Supports dentist in delivering primary dental care, prepares equipment and workplace for use, and contributes to supportive atmosphere for dental patients. Uses chairside, four handed dentistry techniques. Responsible for providing assistance to the dentist during dental procedures. Ensure smooth operation of the dental office. The role is both clinical and administrative, providing patients with care as well as supporting the dental team in an effort to maintain efficient workflows.

Role and Responsibilities

Assisting during Procedures: Prepare patients and the treatment area, hand instruments to the dentist during procedures, and manage suction or other equipment to help ensure the smooth progress of treatments. Familiar with Four – handed dental assisting and managing good evacuation

Patient Care: Prepare, comfort and provide excellent customer service at all times with our patients, provide post-operative instructions, and address patient questions or concerns. Ensure a calm and welcoming environment with focus on quality of care and teamwork

Sterilization and Infection Control: Sterilize dental instruments and equipment following safety and infection control protocols. Clean and disinfect treatment areas after procedures. Manage the Log books and strictly adhere to standard precautions and protocols as outlined

X-Rays: Takes quality dental radiographs (X-rays) as directed by the dentist and ensure they are properly processed for review

Using Electronic Health Record: Understanding to navigate the electronic health record and follow dentist directions to enter and complete charting.

Stock Management: Ensure the dental office is stocked with necessary supplies. Order and maintain inventory of dental materials

Patient Education: Instruct patients on proper oral hygiene and care routines. Provide guidance on post-treatment care

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

• High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• Graduate of accredited Dental Assisting School or two years dental experience in general dentistry
• Certified in Dental Radiology by Dental Assisting National Board (DANB)
• Certified in Infection Control and maintain 1 hour of CE per state regulation
• Knowledge/interest/passion providing care to diverse patient population
• Written and oral bilingual fluency in language spoken by our patient population (for example, English/Spanish or English/Polish) strongly preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and listening) and a patient-focused attitude
• Ability to work well under pressure and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols for infection control
• Strong organizational skills
• Complete Competencies/courses/in-service training workshops as required by the organization in a timely manner
• Is flexible to travel to other sites as needed and be a team player and communicates properly

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Requires good manual dexterity and fine motor coordination; good vision; physical mobility and flexibility; good reflexes, light lifting required; potential exposure to blood borne pathogens through direct patient contact. Must follow OSHA standards and Universal Precautions at all times.