Dental Assistant

About the role

Under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, the Dental Assistant supports dentists and dental hygienists in the care and treatment of patients. Responsibilities include chair-side assisting, patient preparation, taking x-rays, sterilizing instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and providing oral hygiene education. The role also involves performing administrative tasks such as patient intake and front desk support, maintaining dental records, and managing inventory to ensure efficient clinic operations.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the dental clinic each working day, ensuring readiness and security.
• Prepare patients for appointments by ensuring their comfort and educating them on dental procedures and oral hygiene practices.
• Obtain patients medical and medication history.
• Take and monitor patients vital signs.
• Assist the dentist and hygienists during chair-side procedures by handing instruments, suctioning, applying topical anesthetics, and supporting patient care.
• Take dental x-rays under the direction and supervision of a licensed dentist with required certification per state law and regulation.
• Prepare, set up, and organize instruments, materials, and equipment needed for procedures.
• Sterilize instruments and perform routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment and work areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional clinical environment.
• Provide oral hygiene instructions and support patients in plaque control programs.
• Assist with scheduling appointments and accurately updating patient records.
• Assist in processing patient encounters and documentation.
• Recognize and communicate related medical or social concerns as appropriate.
• Assist in managing inventory, including tracking supplies and maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Support the training and onboarding of new Dental Assistants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical requirements

• Occupational Exposure Risk Classification: The normal work routine involves frequent exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.
• The normal work routine has a moderate ergonomic risk for repetitive motion impairment.
• The position may require a moderate amount of physical exertion (bending, lifting, twisting) in the work area.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: Prefer at least one year of experience in dental office providing polishing, administering nitrous oxide, and fluoride application.
• Preferred to have X-Ray Certification.
• Certificate or Professional License: Graduation from a school in dental assisting preferred.
• Radiographic license is required if operating dental x-ray equipment.
• Satisfactory results from criminal and driving record background checks.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.