Overview
The Dental Assistant facilitates delivery of dental services by the dentist and dental hygienists.
Responsibilities
- Assists dentist and hygienist during examination and treatment of patients.
- Prepares patient for dental examination and treatment.
- disinfects and/or sterilizes instrumentation and equipment, sets up instrumentation, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures.
- Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient;
- Exposes and processes dental diagnostic x-rays, when dentist is on site.
- Assists dentist/resident/hygienist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
- Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Provides pre/peri/post-operative instructions as prescribed by dentist,
- Maintains dental, electronic medical records.
- Maintaining dental inventory and supports ordering/inventory control.
- Assists in referral process.
- Performs water testing on a regular or as needed.
- Updates the MSDS book for incoming new dental products and revisions.
- Ensures OSHA and all safety requirements are practiced.
- Reviews and maintains sterilization records.
- Scans all necessary documents into the EMR.
- Routes telephone notes and electronic records to appropriate dentist;
- Accesses patient portal for pertinent information;
- Confirms authorizations for non-covered dental services.
- Performs all duties, as requested by supervisor.
Qualifications
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Graduate of an approved dental assistant training program, preferred.
- Minimum 6 months experience as a dental assistant, preferred.
- Basic Life Support Certification/AED, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies Required:
- Familiarity serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, desirable.
- Strong ability to support busy dental program.
- Proficiency in oral, written and computer skills required.
