Dental Assistant

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 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. 
• 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