Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for assisting the dentist in clinical treatment of patients

SPECIFIC DUTIES
Patient Management

• Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time

• Set up treatment rooms for procedures

• Escort patients to treatment rooms

• Seat patients in treatment rooms

• Show care and concern, and help patients feel comfortable

• Obtain and review health histories

• Update any recent changes in health or medications

• Take patient’s blood pressure

• Ensure patients are always attended

• Anticipate and assist dentist’s needs

• Perform expanded functions (if applicable) and other tasks assigned by the dentist

• Mix dental materials

• Ensure patients’ questions are answered throughly 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 instructions and demonstrate when necessary

• Monitor patient flow

• Notify Front Desk Manager if a patient should be called in the evening after a difficult appointment

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 hand pieces 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 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

Records Management

• Securely store and handle patient records in compliance with state and federal requirements, including the HIPAA privacy and security regulations
• Accurately file patient information
• Arrange patient charts and radiographs for next day’s appointments
• Track cases and referrals to and from other doctors
• Assist in the administration of the recall system

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory and order dental office supplies as needed
• Ensure that treatment rooms are stocked at all times

Office Participation

• Help in other areas of the office when necessary (i.e., answering phones, unpacking supplies, completing insurance forms, moving former patient records, etc.)
• Be an active participant in team meetings
• Promote team concept by interacting with others in the office

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 with practice management software, Eaglesoft preferred.
• Commitment to CE for career development

Interpersonal

• Good interpersonal skills to maintain effective rapport with patients, dentists, other staff members and community
• Effective verbal skills to communicate with patients and staff

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $31.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee discount
• Free flu shots
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Dental assisting: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person