Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Overview:
Performs a variety of dental assisting duties to promote quality dental care for our patients consistent with the caring philosophy of Chestnut Dental Associates. All responsibilities are to be performed with accuracy, efficiency, and a team-oriented emphasis.

Reports to:
Department Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Supervisor (per location)

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Must be able to withstand the stress and demands of an active position, including but not limited to standing for extended periods of time, walking, stooping, bending and sitting. Requires manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination and adequate vision. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear; stand for long periods of time; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to blood and blood-borne pathogens and/or physical risks, which will require OSHA training.
Job Specifications:
• Current Dental Assisting License issued by the Board of Registration in Dentistry per Massachusetts law.
• Current Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification
• Completion of required annual continuing dental education units
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
• Current Hepatitis Vaccination as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Clinical Responsibilities:
• Set up and close down sterilization room at daily (autoclave, ultrasonic, etc.)
• Review patient charts at the beginning of the shift and review all health history forms with patients, updating as needed.
• Check that units are ready, stocked, and clean at the beginning of each appointment.
• Greet and escort patient to operatory, seat patient and confirm proper setup available for procedure to be performed. Demonstrate care and concern for patients at all times. Try to remain in operatory with patient.
• Anticipate and assist doctors' needs at all times.
• Perform clinical procedures, including taking extra oral and intra oral x-rays
• Provide patient education, oral hygiene instruction and demonstration as needed. Make sure the patient/parent receives and understands all post-operative instructions.
• Perform coronal polishes for periodic and new exam patients.
• Pour impressions, separate models from impression trays, trim models; fabricate appliances
• Clear units of used instruments and properly prepare for sterilization process.
• Assist in use and maintenance of equipment, i.e. autoclave, statim, ultrasonic, suction, pan/ceph x ray unit, O2 and N20 units, handpieces, model trimmer
• Chart all patients and record date, treatment performed and appropriate charges.
• At end of each visit dismiss patient, make sure chart is complete indicating procedure completed and treatment proposed for next visit.
• Prepare route slip for check-out.
• Escort patient to check-out area and give scheduling information to front desk personnel.
• Inventory supplies and maintain ordering system.
• Participate fully in ongoing staff development through staff meetings, continuing education courses, evaluations and assisting in the development of best practices for the department.
• Adhere to all CDA policies and procedures regarding code of conduct, attendance, appearance, administrative requests, confidentiality, etc.
• Ensures departmental compliance with CDA’s safety, OSHA and HIPAA programs in conjunction with program coordinators.
• Be flexible in willingness to adapt schedule to practice needs.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Competencies:
• Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills and is proficient in written and oral communication.
• Maintains outgoing, friendly attitude with patients and staff, exhibiting professional and ethical behavior at all times.
• Ability to effectively manage time and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, as well as managing through schedule interruptions and changes.
• Supports doctor leadership team by maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of current dentistry practices, CDA policies and procedures and by staying current with industry trends.
• Works cooperatively with doctors, administrator, managers, supervisors and colleagues, and is a leader and resource to all team members.

Chestnut Dental Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer.