Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Summary/Description:

The Dental Assistant supports licensed dentists and the dental team by providing chairside assistance, patient preparation, sterilization, and administrative support in accordance with the California Dental Practice Act. This role ensures efficient patient flow, maintains a clean and safe clinical environment, and contributes to high-quality patient care. The Dental Assistant may be required to travel between clinic locations as needed and must be able to perform tasks that involve physical activity, including lifting and positioning equipment or supplies.

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The Dental Assistant will be responsible for general clinic administrative work and maintenance, as well as completing lab work under the direction of the dentist. The Dental Assistant’s primary responsibility is to prepare the examination rooms for appointments by sterilizing instruments and ensuring all necessary equipment is ready for the dentist. They also assist the dentist during their procedures by handing them instruments and anticipating their needs throughout the appointment. The Dental Assistant may also be responsible for greeting patients as they arrive, submitting billing details to the insurance company and scheduling the patient’s next appointment before they leave the clinic. Other duties and responsibilities include:

• Update and maintain client’s dental records

• Perform routine dental cleanings and assist the dentist with complex dental procedures

• Take and process X-rays of patients [requires board-approved radiation safety course]

• Schedule patient appointments when necessary

• Take billing and insurance details from patients when necessary

• Advise patients on recommended oral hygiene

• Traveling to other offices when needed to offer coverage/support

• Lifting up to 10-15lbs. Any more is rare and assistance is required if lifting heavy material

• All other duties assigned.

-Equivalent to high school diploma or general education degree (GED), and specified training courses as mandated by CA for certification, licensure, or registration as mandated by CA (e.g. coronal polish, x-ray exposure, pit and fissure sealant application, etc.)

-Completed or in process of completing a board approved Dental Practice Act Course

-Completed or in process of completing a board approved 8-hour Infection Control Course

-Up-to-date BLS Certification with American Heart Association or American Red Cross

-Prior experience administering dental X-rays [requires board-approved radiation safety course]

-Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedure manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and governmental regulations

-Maintain strict compliance with State, Federal, and other regulations, (e.g., OSHA, State Dental Board, HIPAA, ADA, FEHA, DOL, HR policies and practices)

-Ability to direct the work of others and work as a team leader in attainment of goals

-Ability to handle and maintain extreme confidentiality with employee records, compensation information, etc.

-Ensure compliance with Company policies, as well as State, Federal and other regulatory bodies.

-Customer service skills to ensure patients feel comfortable during their appointment as well as well-informed about treatment and dental wellness.