Dental Assistant

Disclaimer: This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.

POSITION

Position Title: Dental Assistant

Reports To: Clinical Team Lead and Practice Operations Manager

Status: Non-exempt, Regular, “At-will” Work Status, Full-time

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to stand, walk, and assist chairside for extended periods (up to 8-12 hours/day)
• Moderate noise levels from dental equipment
• Clinical dental office setting
• Frequent exposure to bodily fluids and sharps; strict adherence to infection control and safety protocols
• Exceptional hand dexterity required for frequent handling of instruments, operating dental equipment, and entering data
• Must be able to bend, twist, reach overhead, and lift or carry up to 30 pounds
• Required to assist with or take dental x-rays
• Near vision - the ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) as required for chairside assisting and computer data entry

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant (DA) supports the clinical team by providing efficient, high-quality patient care and assisting the dentist or hygienist during a wide range of procedures. This role is responsible for preparing treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, maintaining a clean and organized clinical environment, and ensuring n a positive experience for patients. The DA also plays a key role in patient communication, education, and comfort while adhering to all safety, infection control, and compliance protocols.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Exemplify and champion the Company’s Core Focus and Core Values on a daily basis
• Ensure quality patient service by providing thorough patient care, effective communication, and personal attention in a gentle, caring manner
• Assist the dentist or dental hygienist in transfer of instruments utilizing approved dental assisting principles; assist the operator in preparation and delivery of dental materials
• Prepare the treatment rooms, patient records, equipment and necessary instruments for dental procedures in accordance with universal safety precautions and other safety standards
• Take quality radiographs, according to the Practice’s protocol, ensuring all are suitable for diagnosis
• Sealant certified and able to perform sealants on patient treatment plans
• Review and update medical histories and report any relevant findings to the dentist
• Take vital signs
• Use 3D scanner when appropriate
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, charting, and treatment plans using dental practice management software following the Practice’s protocol
• Explain to each patient the purpose and process involved in their dental care and reinforce the treatment plan prescribed by the dentist
• Explain consents in detail, answer patient questions and obtain patient signatures
• Provide evaluation of emergency patients
• Provide patient management for the dental department
• Perform expanded function duties such as monitoring of nitrous oxide, perform coronal polishing, and applying sealants, as necessary
• Attend Morning Huddle prepared
• Follow the Practice’s lab protocol when sending and checking in cases
• Maintain Infection Control, OSHA, and CDC guidelines
• Keep treatment rooms neat and clean during procedures and disinfect thoroughly before each patient arrives
  • Keep hand pieces properly maintained; ensure vacuum lines, unit, chair, light, instruments, and instrument setups are thoroughly disinfected and properly sterilized at all times
• Follow the Practice’s supply ordering protocol to ensure appropriate stock of all supplies and instruments is maintained; provide management with appropriate purchase data
• Perform various laboratory procedures (pouring study models, fabricating bleaching trays, etc)
• Conserve dental resources by using appropriate equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results
• Restock treatment rooms according to the Practice’s protocol
• Maintain sterilization machines as necessary
• Maintain all work areas as clean and organized including treatment rooms, sterilization, lab, and all supply areas as clean and organized
• Maintain dental equipment in proper working order
• Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining equipment inventories, and evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Support business goals by utilizing schedules effectively and supporting the practice revenue objectives
• Ability to travel as necessary
• Ability to be flexible and able to work on scheduled days off or weekends when requested by management
• Participate in continuing education and professional development to maintain licensure and stay current with best practices
• Must have reliable vehicle and valid automobile liability insurance
• Willing to support own team members to accomplish daily activities
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a professional team
• Effectively communicate and develop a strong working relationship with the dentist and promote teamwork through cooperative and professional behaviors
• Stay up to date on annual office training including OSHA and HIPAA
• Conduct work in compliance with Federal, State, and other regulations, and clinic policies and practices
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUCCESS FACTORS

• Ability to speak English
• Knowledge of dental terminology and CDT codes
• Ability to maintain professional and technical knowledge
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to effectively and efficiently assist providers
• Ability to make anterior and posterior temporary crowns with good margins and contacts
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use practice software systems
• Possess professional communication and presentation skills, including face to face, email, telephone, and video conference
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Ability to prioritize work, handling daily and multiple tasks to completion within the time allotted
• Ability to problem solve independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work well on a team
• Ability to provide accurate and precise attention to detail
• Ability to be well-organized and reliable
• Knowledge of continuous process improvement concepts and practices
• Ability to exhibit a positive attitude required
• Knowledge and ability to utilize efficiently and effectively all systems and softwares including, but not limited to, Open Dental, Overjet, Dental Intelligence, Google Drive, Microsoft Word and Excel
• Specified training courses as mandated by State for certification, licensure or registration requirements

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• High school diploma or GED
• Dental Assistant certification or relevant on-the-job experience required
• Nitrous, coronal polishing, and sealant certification

HIPAA REQUIREMENTS

• Handle Protected Health Information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
• Apply the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA in the course of carrying out assigned duties
• Will have access to: full dental charts, full medical charts, all information in the practice management system, all other billing and account information

OSHA REQUIREMENTS

• Ensure strict adherence to OSHA regulations and established infection control protocols to maintain a safe and sterile clinical environment
• Responsibilities include: proper sterilization and disinfection of instruments and surfaces, use personal protective equipment (PPE), maintenance of Safety Data Sheet documentation, and active participation in training and audits related to safety and infection prevention
• The DA plays a key role in minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and protecting both patients and employees from exposure to infectious agents