Dental Assistant - Pediatrics

At Merhoff & Associates Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to loving and supporting our neighbors. We have made resources available to our patients to enjoy and learn about dental health and good habits. Our goal is to promote oral health in children everywhere. If this sounds like you, come join our team!

Position Summary:
The job of a pediatric dental assistant is to ensure that each patient consistently receives outstanding, individualized service at each treatment appointment.

Responsibilities:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of each clinical day engaged and ready to participate in team morning meeting
• Welcome patients to the dental office with a smile and positive energy
• Prepare patients for treatments or checkups ensuring their comfort
• Ensure that patients have an excellent experience by providing care in a patient-friendly environment. This includes bringing patients back on time for their scheduled appointment and greeting and acknowledging each patient by name at the treatment appointment
• The goal of the assistant is to, over time, get to know the patients and interact with families on an individual level (i.e. team member remembers things about each patient)
• Serve as chairside clinical assistant, demonstrating proficiency in all areas of pediatric dental assisting including, but not limited to: photographs, x-rays, assist the dentist through 4-handed dentistry, select and set up instruments, equipment and material needed, any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the doctor
• Demonstrate proficiency in dental language and terminology such that clinical assistant can type chart notes using the terms and abbreviations used by the practice
• Demonstrate proficiency in practice management software such that assistant can schedule appointments and cover telephones to help the administrative team when necessary
• Maintain accurate patient records and assist with payment procedures
• Efficiently run clinical chair to see 12-15+ patients per day in a timely manner
• Provide instructions to patients/parents throughout dental treatment
• Sterilize instruments according to regulations via cold sterile, dry-heat, and autoclave methods and undertake lab tasks as instructed
• Work with other team members, both clinical and administrative, to help the day run smoothly
• Provide oral hygiene and post-operative care instructions
• Keep the dental room clean and well-stocked

Qualifications:

• Training Requirements (licenses, programs, or certificates)
• Dental x-ray certification
• Proven experience as dental assistant
• Knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization methods
• Understanding of health & safety regulations
• Ability to perform regulated non-surgical tasks like coronal polishing is a plus
• Good computer skills
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Attention to detail
• Well-organized and reliable
• High school diploma; graduating from dental assistant school is preferred