Dental Assistant

Job Title

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: Assists the dentist in many aspects of direct patient care and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Customer service shows courtesy, respect, and a positive attitude for patients, co-workers and the public Provides assistance to customers with questions or concerns, provides service recovery. Chairside assisting sets up operatory and/or surgery suite for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions. Accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. Assists in routine general dental procedures using concepts of four-handed dentistry. Assists in specialized dental procedures, such as oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, implant placement and restoration. Maintains both routine and specialty dental equipment per manufacturer instructions and dental service standards. Dental imaging exposes both standard and specialty dental imaging (i.e. TMJ, ceph, cone beam) in traditional and/or digital formats. Modifies settings to achieve the images as requested by the provider. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Infection control and equipment sterilization demonstrates proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning operatories Disinfects oral appliances to prevent cross contamination. Properly prepares instruments for transfer to SPD for sterilization. Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Medical Equipment. Works closely with SPD to ensure availability of instruments so that clinical care is not delayed Demonstrates proper infection control procedures in exposing images. Utilizes all proper PPE per national and local policies. Follows all hospital infection control protocols including hand hygiene. Clerical functions assists in filling gaps in the doctor's schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Initiates computerized progress note. Assists dentist in charting findings and treatment plans in patient records Locates/tracks all pending patient lab cases for use during patient appointments. Properly completes all dental laboratory cards.