Dental Assistant

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists dentist/resident/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
• Aids dentist/resident/hygienist in managing 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
• Maintains 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
• Scaans 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

• 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
• Familiarity serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, desirable
• Strong ability to support busy dental program
• Proficiency in oral, written and computer skills required
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, a plus