Under the direction of the Dental Assistant Supervisor, the Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentists, dental residents, and dental hygienists in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation, chair side assisting, inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. The Dental Assistant will also be required to perform administrative tasks as designated by the Dental Administrative Supervisor.
Representative Duties:
1. Performs duties which assist the dentist(s) and hygienist in the care and treatment of patients
- Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist
- Serves as dentist’s or dental hygienist’s chair-side assistant
- Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist’s or dental hygienist’s directions
- Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol
- Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s directions and Dental Department policy and protocol
- Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues
- Responsible for the sterilization of instruments, and the cleaning and routine maintenance of equipment and work areas
- Maintains inventory of supplies and materials as well as maintain thorough and accurate documentation of inventory
- Performs lab work including custom trays, whitening trays, etc
- Performs clerical functions to maintain patient charts and schedule treatment
- Looking for expired materials in their assigned room
2. Assist with front-end operations when needed
- Greet each client with a smile and welcoming, professional manner
- Answer each phone call in a cheerful and professional manner
- At all times maintain patient confidentiality, speak in quiet tones at the desk with colleagues and clients and behave appropriately for a highly visible position
- Perform reception duties in an efficient, professional and courteous manner
- Follow established policies for appointment scheduling, patient registration and all front desk operations
3. Meets agency participatory expectation
- Adheres to all agency and departmental policies and procedures
- Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested
- Adheres to the highest principles of patient and client confidentiality
- Adheres to established safety policies, procedures and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation
- Attends all required meetings, in-services and professional trainings
- Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities
- Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested
4. Performs other related job duties as required.
