Dental Assistant

Description

Role Description: 

Singing River Dentistry Dental Assistants support dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; documenting dental appointments, and performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act. 

Primary Job responsibilities: 

•  Prepare treatment room for patients by following prescribed procedures and protocols
•  Prepare each patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping
•  Provide information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests
•  Provide instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment areas; position instruments for dentist's access; suction as needed and anticipate the dentist’s needs throughout procedures
•  Take clean impressions by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and into the patient's mouth
•  Obtain diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
•  Maintain patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; clean and polish removable appliances.
•  Help the dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory
•  Educate patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions
•  Document dental care services by charting in patient records
•  Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential
•  Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
•  Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols
•  Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques
•  Maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock, anticipating needed supplies, placing and expediting orders for supplies, and verifying receipt of supplies
•  Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results
•  Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies
•  Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

Requirements

Skill and Attributes: 

Dental Health Maintenance, Use of Dental Technology, Infection Control, Patient Services, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Listening, Teamwork, Bedside Manner, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Use of Medical Technologies, Performing Diagnostic Procedures

Education and Qualifications: 

Dental experience preferred but not required