Dental Assistant

Title:  Dental Assistant    

Department: Dental

Status: Exempt

Position Classification/Category: Dental

Level: N/A

Location: Assigned Clinic

Hourly Pay Range:

Reports To: Chief Dental Officer

Direct Reports: N/A

Summary of Position

Dental Assistant prepare for oral examination and assist other dental workers, such as dentists, dental therapists and dental hygienist, in providing treatment to the teeth, mouth and gums. Dental Assistants also carry out chair-side and receptionist duties.

Minimum Qualifications

·         Experience: At least two (2) years of dental assisting experience 

·         Additional skills required: Knowledge of legal and ethical standards for the delivery of oral health care.  Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office products.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team. Able to effectively utilize an electronic dental record to document all patient encounters.   

Additional skills preferred: English, Spanish a plus.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Certification(s)/Licensure: Must have Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant required

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

·         Frequent walking, standing and moving about.

·         Frequently bends, kneels and crouches.

·         Repetitive movement of hands and fingers – typing and/or writing.

·         Talk and hear.

Key Responsibilities

1.       Greet patients and prepare them for necessary dental procedures.

2.       Always offers assistance and/or instruction to patient. Protect privacy of the patient and maintains confidentiality of information. Never discuss patient information outside of the department.

3.       During oral examination or treatment, provide instruments and dispense materials as directed by operator.

4.       Prepares patient for examination/treatment in accordance with established policies and procedures.

5.       Practices good aseptic techniques and complies with infection control regulations.

6.       Cleans and sterilizes instruments and equipment required by protocol. No soiled instruments will be acceptable.

7.       Operates dental equipment according to protocol to achieve optimum results.

8.       Performs maintenance and cleaning on a daily basis.

9.       Provide pre and post-operative instructions for patients undergoing general or local anesthesia.

10.    Order and re-stock dental supplies.

11.    Make appointments for patients, keep records of patients’ treatments and send out reminders for re-examinations.

12.    Register, check-in and collect payments.

13.    Always maintain all patient files, while under service.

14.    Performs other duties as assigned.