Dental assistant

Position Summary

Assists dentists with patient care and follow-up, providing direct and indirect patient care in a clinical setting.

Demonstrated Job Responsibilities

• Carries out skills as outlined in the Dental Policies and Procedures for clinical areas, including preparing patients, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting dentist during dental procedures
• Greet patients and escort them to work area
• Work with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair and prepare them for treatments and procedures
• Review the health history, make chart entries, and assure that forms are signed and completed
• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures
• Prepare the work area for patient treatment by setting out instruments and materials
• Ensure clinic areas are kept stocked at acceptable levels
• Aid the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist
• Assist the dentist by handing them instruments during procedures
• Keep patients' mouths dry by using suction hoses and other equipment
• Instruct patients in proper dental hygiene and dietary instructions
• Check equipment daily to ensure accurate functioning
• Expose, process, and mount radiographs
• Ensure that all activities completed are charted within the patient's record
• Ensure patient flow is timely and accurate throughout the unit
• Complete billing charges at the end of each treatment

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Graduate or GED
• Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Demonstrate knowledge of dental health education subjects

Preferred Education and Qualifications

• Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant
• Expanded Function Licenses
• N2O Certification

Physical Demands

• Lifting, bending, reaching, pushing, carrying, sitting
• Vision corrected in normal range
• Hearing corrected in normal range

Hazardous Conditions

• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Potential exposure to physical violence

Multiple Duties

• Must be able to work under conditions of constant interruption and be able to stay on task