Job Description

The Dental Assistant will be responsible to provide a range of clinical procedures and staff support in a full range of dental operational services. Assist in the performance of dental and radiological procedures. Will assist in the coordination of day to day patient administration and office support activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides chair side assistance to dental providers in the performance of dental procedures, to include operative, preventive, periodontal, endodontic, prosthetic, surgical and all other dental procedures as needed. Includes instrument transfer, isolation, oral evacuation, retraction, preparation of dental instruments and materials, charting, post-operative instructions and all other chair-side assisting duties.
2. Prepares, sterilizes, organizes, and sets-up dental equipment, instruments and operatories to ensure that all dental sterilization/disinfection protocols are followed according to dental guidelines and Center policies and procedures.
3. Monitors and maintains dental inventory, supplies and equipment such as; compressor, evacuator system, radiographic equipment, sterilizers, and light curing units etc. in accordance with manufacture guidelines. Assists in preparing dental supply orders as directed.
4. Administers dental radiographs in accordance with providers’ orders; assists in the monitoring and maintenance of radiation safety procedures and protocols. Radiology duties restricted to Registered Dental Assistants only.
5. Develops and participates in all performance improvement activity relating to dental practice and ensures the dental component is in compliance with all regulations and standards.
6. Provides excellent internal/external customer service via telephone, fax or face-to-face contact to assist patients with their health care needs.
7. Assists with front office duties including but not limited to appointment scheduling, patient outreach/recall and appointment confirmation.
8. Supports dental hygienists by preparing patients and patient treatment rooms.
9. Maintain daily log-books on daily maintenance procedures.
10. Performs general cleaning of dental operatories to include, but not limited to dusting of cabinetry and fixtures, cleaning dental chairs, removal of trash/biohazardous waste and removal of clutter to ensure a sanitary treatment environment.
11. Maintain dental laboratory slips, recording incoming and outgoing dental cases. Ensures lab cases are received in advance of patient appointment.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalent required

Must have current, valid Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) registration from the TSBDE or,

must be eligible to apply for and receive a current RDA license within the first year of employment as a Dental Assistant, refer to TSBDE- RDA requirements.

Nitrous Oxide Certification Preferred

Must complete the Continuing Education requirement by TSBDE on renewal of license/Certificate

Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Scheduled hours and/or work locations are subject to change

REQUIRED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

Finger Dexterity: Using fingers to make small movements such as typing or picking up small objects. Normal fine and gross motor control of fingers and hands.

Talking: Frequently conveying detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, clearly, or quickly.

Hearing: Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information; hear whispered voice at five (5) feet.

Repetitive Motions: Frequently and regularly using the wrists, hands, and fingers.

Visual: Visual acuity necessary for the proper evaluation of a patient and to prepare or inspect documents or other materials. Ability to accurately view computer monitors

Physical: Sitting approximately 50% of time and standing, walking approximately 50% of time. Lift up to 25 lbs.; push and pull up to 45 lbs. Able to bend at the waist, twist and turn along axial plane.