Dental Assistant

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for assisting the dentist in the clinical treatment of patients

·       Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time o Set up treatment rooms for procedures

·       Escort patients to treatment room o Seat patients in treatment rooms

·       Show care and concern, and help patients feel comfortable

·       Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol

·       Ensure patients are always attended o Anticipate and assist dentist’s needs

·       Perform expanded functions and other tasks as assigned by the dentist

·       Mix dental materials o Ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave

·       Chart patients and record date, service rendered and any charges

·       Escort patients from the treatment room

·       Ensure proper treatment notes are recorded in patient’s chart

·       Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by dentist

·       Give patient instruction and demonstrate when necessary

·       Monitor patient flow

·       Notify Treatment Co

Treatment Room Management and Sterilization

·       Keep dental units ready, stocked, and clean

·       Oversee cleanliness of the treatment room according to sterilization procedures

·       Disinfect treatment rooms according to OSHA regulations

·       Sterilize all instruments and handpieces according to OSHA regulations

·       Keep trays, instruments and treatment room drawers organized

·       Ensure that office sterilization procedures document is on display

·       Promptly send out and monitor all dental laboratory cases

·       Implement the preventative maintenance/cleaning schedule for dental equipment

·       Maintain dental office emergency kits and nitrous and oxygen tanks

·       Follow laboratory procedures according to office protocol.

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS Education/Experience

·       High school diploma or equivalent

·       Graduate of accredited dental assisting program or dental assisting experience preferred

·       Coursework in dental instruments and procedures

·       Compliance with state dental practice requirements (e.g., x-ray requirements, OSHA training)

Computer skills [list computer skills required and any specific dental software