Job Description
Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Dental assistants prepare patients for oral examination and assist other dental professionals in providing treatment to the teeth, mouth, and gums.
Dental assistants must work effectively with co-workers, customers, and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions, and addressing others by name, actions, words and deeds. DAs must support the policies and goals of PDS, and thus participate in the growth and future of the company.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative, but not all inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Dental Assistant
1. Perform functions in accordance with the applicable state's Dental Auxiliaries Table of Permitted Duties.
2. Dental Assistants actively participate in the Perfect Patient Experience? by striving to keep your patients focused on optimal treatment while attending to their individual concerns and promoting the good qualities of your doctor.
3. DAs Maintain a clean, sterile, and cheerful environment where your patients feel comfortable; prepare patients for treatment, and assist the doctors - thereby enabling them to provide efficient, quality dental treatment.
4. Dental Assistants are to obtain dental history and/or records from patient (review patient health history and care slips). Ensure that the health history is updated for all returning patients.
5. DAs escort patients to/from the front desk and introduce them to the continuing care clerk.
6. Prepare tray setups for dental procedures and maintain adequate supply levels in each operatory, replenishing as needed.
7. Dental Assistants complete x-rays and intra-oral pictures of patients as appropriate.
8. DAs hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices.
9. Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment.
10. Instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
11. Dental Assistants record patient charting and all doctor notes on treatment record. Ensure the doctor signs treatment record, consents, and health history.
12. DAs prepare materials for making impressions and restorations.
13. Clean each operatory in accordance with the American Dental Association guidelines.
14. Maintain an appropriate professional appearance and demeanor in accordance with Company policy.
15. Maintain strict compliance with State, Federal, and other regulations, (e.g., OSHA, WC, Dental Board, HIPAA, ADA, FEHA, DOL, HR policies and practices).
16. Other duties as assigned.
Experience:
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:
EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/EDUCATION: REQUIRED:
Equivalent to high school diploma or general education degree (GED), and specified training courses as mandated by state for certification, licensure, or registration. DESIRABLE: Associate degree or one-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS:
As mandated by applicable state (e.g. coronal polish, x-ray exposure, ultrasonic scaling for orthodontic procedures, pit and fissure sealant application, etc).
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as business periodicals, professionals journals, technical procedure manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively and present information, both verbally and in writing, to patients and co-workers. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, or diagram form.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, decimals and percentages. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk, hear, and smell. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
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