Dental Assistant

POSITION DESCRIPTION: DENTAL ASSISTANT

SUMMARY: Under the clinical supervision of the Family Dentist, the Dental Assistant serves as a vital member of a dental healthcare team who provides essential support to dentists and other dental professionals in a clinical setting. Their role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including both clinical and administrative tasks.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform patient intake procedures to ensure development of an adequate dental history to include allergies/sensitivities and relevant medical history.
• Coordinating patient arrivals and departures.
• Assist dentist during patient examinations and various dental procedures. This includes passing instruments, holding suction devices, and providing other chairside support to the dentist.
• Interact with patients, making them feel comfortable and helping to allay any anxieties.
• Explain dental procedures and post-treatment care instructions to patients.
• Take and develop dental X-rays, ensuring that images are of high quality and following radiation safety protocols.
• Prepare tray setups for dental procedures.
• Maintain a clean and sterile environment, including the proper sterilization and organization of instruments and equipment.
• Ensures that the operatories are properly cleaned and equipped.
• Provides maintenance of dental clinic equipment according to established procedures
• Manage and update patient records, appointments, and treatment plans.
• Schedule appointments, answer phones, respond to patient messages.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Clinical and technical skills in dental procedures, instrument handling, and X-ray operation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients and dental team members.
• Attention to detail for maintaining organized patient records and a sterile clinical environment.
• Compassion and empathy for patient care and understanding their needs.
• Adaptability to handle unexpected situations and emergencies in a dental setting.
• Professionalism in both appearance and demeanor.
• Knowledge of infection control protocols and patient privacy regulations (HIPAA compliance).
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling dental instruments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a dental team.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:  NON-EXEMPT

MININUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduate or equivalent
• Graduation from an accredited school of dental assisting.
• One year’s experience as a dental assistant preferred.
• Pit and fissure sealant certifications preferred
• Nitrous and oxide monitoring certification preferred.