Dental Assistant

About the role

The main purpose of this job is to ensure a safe and efficient environment for patients receiving dental care. You will provide chair-side clinical assistance to the dentist when performing dental procedures, be responsible for dental surgery equipment and stock, ensure cross infection standards are met, maintain professional personal conduct at all times, and assist with general office tasks.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare materials, supplies, equipment and instruments for clinic and set up the surgery with correct instruments, equipment, records, materials and supplies immediately prior to each appointment
• Maintain full responsibility for the cleanliness of the assigned surgery
• Provide dental chair-side assistance to the dentist and patient throughout the entire appointment
• Follow the dentist's procedure for positioning the patient, equipment, and materials, follow the dentist's instructions, and anticipate needs during the procedure
• Accurately complete dental recording and charting as per the dentist's instructions
• Wash hands before and after each patient and use fresh gloves for each patient
• Clean, sterilize, and set up instruments and equipment ready for use according to the practice's cross infection control procedures
• Dispose of used supplies safely and clean and disinfect the primary and secondary work zones of the dental surgery between patients
• At the end of the day clean the surgery, complete chair maintenance, close and lock windows and blinds, turn off equipment and lock the practice
• Reorder dental materials and supplies within the guidelines of the practice to maintain adequate stocks
• Maintain a neat and tidy appearance, keep hair below the collar tied back, and ensure jewellery does not hinder cross infection control procedures
• Maintain positive interaction at all times with patients, families, staff and all people who interact with the practice in person or over the phone
• Undertake other appropriate tasks delegated by the dentist
• Attend seminars, staff meetings and training as required
• Deal with all incoming telephone calls efficiently and courteously and provide accurate information to patients or callers
• Check and clear the answer phone frequently
• Invoice patients for treatment after each appointment as instructed by the dentist
• Receive payments and store receipts in Cash Box after each appointment
• Follow up overdue accounts and late payments fortnightly
• Understand ACC, Oral Health Contract, Ministry of Health and other government subsidies and process such subsidies with normal Practice procedures
• Arrange and receive courier dispatches and deliveries