Dental Assistant Jobs

Job Summary:

The DA assists in the performance of quality, caring, clinical dentistry by aiding the doctor smoothly and unobtrusively during examinations and treatment. The DA performs clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist as well as prepares the operatory and equipment, gets the patient ready, and maintains awareness of the comfort and safety needs of patients.

Essential Duties:

• Records treatment information on the patient's chart, including treatment rendered, the type of treatment planned and the amount of chair time, doctor time and assistant time needed for next appointment.
• Pours and trims study models.
• Cleans hand pieces, vacuum traps, and sharp instruments.
• Takes radiographs as directed by the doctor.
• Orders supplies.
• Places and removes rubber dams.
• Maintains all chemical solutions, i.e., disinfectant soaks and sprays, sterilents, ultrasonic, and presoak.
• Ensures lights, units, nitrous equipment and automatic processors are turned on prior to the first patient.
• Assists the doctor by passing instruments, aspirating intra‑oral fluids, mixing materials and medicaments during examinations or treatment.
• Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
• Applies non‑aerosol and non‑caustic topical agents and fluoride.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room and prepping them for care by the doctor.
• Removes post‑extraction and periodontal dressings.
• Maintains cleanliness of the dark room, lab and sterilizing area.
• Helps administer nitrous oxide to patients as applicable.
• Reviews patient's medical history, progress from the previous visit, if applicable, and the scheduled treatment plan with each patient.
• Monitors incoming and outgoing lab cases.
• Maintains plaster trap and lab counter areas.
• Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilization of all instruments, cleaning and restocking.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and maintain confidentiality.
• Skilled in the use of standard dental office equipment including: Autoclave, model trimmer, X-ray machine - Pano, Panoramic X-ray, ultrasonic, Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide, Laser, Intra Oral camera, Vacu-press, and hand pieces.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and changes.
• Ability to take radiographs, including FMX, Pano and anterior PA's.
• Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including: telephones, calculators, copiers, fax, computers, and computer software (MS Excel, Word, Practice Management software).
• Knowledge of cross contamination and how to prevent it.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients.
• Ability to communicate and express thoughts and ideas competently.
• Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers, and patients.
• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to take blood pressure, attach EKG leads, and read monitors.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner.

Education / Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 1-2 year(s) relevant experience in the dental profession

Special Requirements/Certifications/Licenses:

• CPR & first aid certificate
• Valid X-ray certificate