Dental Assistant

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Overview:

This position is primarily responsible for assisting the dentists during the examination and treatment of patients.

Responsibilities:

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Review patient schedule and correlating charts one day prior to ensure readiness for treatment. 

• Opens office and operatories by turning on all computers, setting up sterilization for the day, and ensuring rooms are ready for the first treatment. 

• Obtains and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of the patient and communicates this information to the doctor. 

• Obtains dental radiographs and cone beam scans on patients and reports findings to the doctor.

• Provide a high level of patient experience through communicating comfort options, patient education, and treatment expectations. 

• Assists dentists in the management of medical and dental emergencies. 

• Provides post-operative instructions prescribed by the dentist. 

• Maintains clinical notes for patients documenting pertinent information in the patient charts. 

• Generates consult and post-operative reports to be sent to referring dentist.

• Collaborates with front and back office to ensure dentists’ schedules run smoothly and efficiently in addition to communicating treatment plan with Front Desk team.

• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and procedures. 

• Properly closes out operatories at the end of shift to assure operatories are clean and restocked and patient ready.

• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipates needed supplies, and communicates the need to the Manager. 

• Maintains patient confidentiality per HIPAA. 

• Assists with daily office cleaning responsibilities. 

Please note that additional responsibilities may be assigned.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent

EXPERIENCE:

Dental Assistant experience

Knowledge of dental practice and procedures preferred

Knowledge of dental radiographs

Knowledge of dental software programs

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job satisfactorily, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Technical Skills – Assesses own strength and weaknesses; pursues training development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others

• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments

• Interpersonal Skills – Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things

• Oral Communications – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions

• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; able to read and interpret written information

• Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness

• Diversity – Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment

• Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values

• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values; respects diversity

• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently

• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments

• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; monitors own work to ensure quality

• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly

• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events

• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time

• Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan