Lead Dental Assistant

About the Role

The Lead Dental Assistant provides oversight, leadership, and mentorship to fellow dental assistants, ensuring the efficiency and functionality of the department while taking initiative to meet office goals.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Operations:
  • Oversee daily clinical operations to ensure smooth workflow and coordination between dentists, hygienists, and assistants.
  • Prepare treatment rooms, ensuring cleanliness and readiness for each patient.
  • Sterilize instruments and maintain infection control protocols according to OSHA standards.
  • Assist dentists during procedures, including passing instruments, mixing materials, and taking dental x-rays.
  • Monitor adherence to clinical protocols, checklists, and procedures.
• Team Leadership:
  • Supervise and support other dental assistants, ensuring they follow protocols and perform duties efficiently.
  • Provide mentorship and training for new or less experienced assistants.
  • Conduct regular check-ins with the team to resolve issues and improve collaboration.
• Patient Care:
  • Ensure a high level of patient care from initial seating to post-procedure follow-up.
  • Address patient concerns related to procedures, providing clear communication and reassurance.
  • Educate patients on post-operative care, hygiene, and preventive dental health.
• Inventory and Equipment Management:
  • Manage clinical supplies, ensuring proper inventory levels, ordering, and storage.
  • Oversee maintenance, cleanliness, and functionality of dental equipment and tools.
  • Ensure the office is well-stocked while controlling costs and managing expiration dates.
  • Maintain equipment functionality and update the equipment maintenance log.
• Coordination with Clinical Supervisor:
  • Report clinical issues or concerns, including supply needs, equipment repairs, and patient care concerns.
  • Assist in implementing new clinical protocols or procedures as directed.
• Scheduling and Coordination:
  • Schedule hygiene and non-monetary appointments.
  • Use scripts when scheduling appointments and communicating with patients.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ensure accurate clinical documentation, including patient records, treatment notes, and radiographs.
  • Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and other regulatory standards.
  • Complete all items on the onboarding checklist.
• Support Office Efficiency:
  • Ensure assistants properly fill out and track lab and supply invoices.
  • Assist in managing workflow within the practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least one year of prior dental assisting experience (preferred).
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of treatment and dental wellness.
• Technical and troubleshooting skills for dental, medical, scheduling, and organizational software.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of dental instruments.
• Prior experience administering dental X-rays.
• Current radiology license.
• Current Hepatitis B vaccination.
• Current CPR certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Effective communication in English, including speaking, understanding, and hearing in person and on the phone.
• Visual acuity to read small print and work in the oral cavity.
• Ability to work in a normal office environment using a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Capability to push and pull dental equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Perform precise movements specific to dental assisting, such as passing instruments, materials, and medications.