Dental Assistant

Job Summary:
Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; taking intraoral x-ray films; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act; sanitization of treatment room, sterilization of treatment instruments; charting and documentation of treatment procedures in patient chart.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.

- Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, draping patient, and taking intraoral x-rays if indicated.

- Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.

- Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist’s access; suctioning; passing instruments.

- Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient’s mouth.

- Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic images.

- Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.

- Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions as indicated by procedures.

- Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.

- Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.

- Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

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

- Ensures 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.

- Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level and anticipating needed supplies.

- Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.

- Contributes to team effort and represents clinic to community in a positive manner.

- Represents clinic to the community, patients, and others in a positive manner.
Requirements

Skills:

- Ability to work as a team member.

- Excellent attention to detail.

- Ability to perform diagnostic procedures.

- Thorough and organized.

- Excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills
Physical Demands:
Physical Abilities
Stand Constantly
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Handling/Fingering Constantly
Reach Outward Occasionally
Reach above Shoulder Occasionally
Climb Occasionally
Crawl Not Applicable
Bend Frequently

Push Pull:
12 lbs or less Frequently
13-25 lbs Occasionally
26-40 lbs Not Applicable
41-100 lbs Not Applicable

Lift Carry:
10 lbs or less Constantly
11-20 lbs Occasionally
21-50 lbs Occasionally
51-100 lbs Occasionally
Over 100 lbs Not Applicable