Dental Assistant

Job Summary

The Dental Assistant, under the direction of the Dentist, performs duties such as: preparing the patient for the treatment, assisting the dentist in performing their treatment to the patient in restorative dentistry or oral surgery, preparing materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for the dentist’s use, taking x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. Depending on the needs of the practice, Dental Assistants may perform other related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments, answer the phone, ordering supplies and doing the dental billing.

• Greet patients and escort them to their operatory
• Work with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair and to prepare them for treatments and procedures
• Prepare the work area for treatment
• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Help to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery
• Process x-rays and do lab tasks under the direction of a dentist
• Document patient's medical history and take blood pressure and pulse, if necessary
• Sterilize instruments and equipment and ensure a clean, sterile work space is maintained
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling)
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
• Take impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
• Maintain patient records of treatment ensuring HIPAA guidelines are followed at all times
• Perform office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer
• Communicate with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies)
• Assist in general practice tasks and/or responsibilities as necessary
• All other duties as assigned and/or appropriate to the position

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as scheduled to meet the needs of the practice. Some overtime may be necessary and is a requirement of the position.
• Understands and is comfortable using medical and dental terminology.
• Demonstrates knowledge of dental health education subjects and demonstrates sound judgment.
• Possesses a calm disposition to create a soothing atmosphere for the patients and contributes to a peaceful, harmonious work environment.
• Is detail oriented as dental assistants must follow specific rules and protocols to help dentists treat patients. Assistants must be aware of what practices they are allowed to complete in the state where they work.
• Demonstrates active listening skills to listen to patients and other healthcare workers, follow directions from the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Possesses excellent organizational skills such as having correct tools in place for a dentist or dental hygienist to use when treating a patient.
• Is customer service oriented toward both internal and external clients.
• Demonstrates proficiency in working with computers and office programs (such as MS Office, scheduling/billing systems, etc.)
• Possesses excellent time management skills to ensure patient treatments and schedules are maintained as much as possible.
• Demonstrates an adaptability and willingness to accept change whether in business practices, technology, and workflow processes.

High school diploma or equivalent required; proof of completion of radiation safety course

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) training through accredited program preferred except where statutory requirements require certification