Dental Assistant

Job Summary: 

Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; taking intraoral x-ray films; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act; sanitization of treatment room, sterilization of treatment instruments; charting and documentation of treatment procedures in patient chart.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, draping patient, and taking intraoral x-rays if indicated.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist’s access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient’s mouth.
• Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic images.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions as indicated by procedures.
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level and anticipating needed supplies.
• Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Contributes to team effort and represents clinic to community in a positive manner.
• Represents clinic to the community, patients, and others in a positive manner.

Skills:

1. Ability to work as a team member.
2. Excellent attention to detail.
3. Ability to perform diagnostic procedures.
4. Thorough and organized.
5. Excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills

Physical Demands:

Physical Abilities

Stand Constantly

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently

Handling/Fingering Constantly

Reach Outward Occasionally

Reach above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb Occasionally

Crawl Not Applicable

Bend Frequently

Push Pull:

12 lbs or less Frequently

13-25 lbs Occasionally

26-40 lbs Not Applicable

41-100 lbs Not Applicable

Lift Carry:

10 lbs or less Constantly

11-20 lbs Occasionally 

21-50 lbs Occasionally 

51-100 lbs Occasionally 

Over 100 lbs Not Applicable