Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Essential Functions :

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Serves as dentist's or dental hygienist's chair-side assistant.
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist's or dental hygienist's directions.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer's directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.
• Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Maintains a list of all Dental Department patients, monitors patient flow, and assists the Dental Director, dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the Dental Department.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits.
• Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulation(s).
• Performs all functions in full compliance with the center's and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion / disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and / or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• Assist with dental charting during exam and explaining treatment plans to the patient.
• Assists with making sure the patient has all necessary form, such as referral forms, medical clearance forms and prescriptions.
• Assist with giving oral instruction after any procedure such as extraction, fillings, and exams.

Processing Denture Order :

Maintains the lab facility.

Qualifications :

To perform this job successfully, an incumbent must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.