PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: Assisting the dentist in the clinical treatment of patients

Patient Management

• Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time
• Set up treatment rooms for procedures
• Escort patients to treatment rooms
• Seat patients in treatment rooms and always attend to the patient
• Demonstrate care and concern and aid the patient’s comfort when possible
• Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol
• Anticipate and assist the dentist’s needs
• Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by dentist
• Perform expanded functions and other tasks as assigned by the dentist
• Monitor patients while under nitrous oxide or IV sedation
• Radiograph management
• Ensure patient’s questions are answered thoroughly before they leave the treatment room
• Provide instructions for patient for proper oral care before and after procedures
• Monitor patient flow

Treatment Room Management and Sterilization

• Keep dental units ready, stocked and clean
• Oversee cleanliness of the treatment room according to sterilization procedures
• Disinfect treatment rooms according to OSHA regulations
• Sterilize all instruments and hand-pieces according to OSHA regulations
• Keep trays, instruments and treatment room drawers organized
• Promptly send out and monitor all dental laboratory cases
• Implement and preventative maintenance/cleaning schedule for dental equipment
• Maintain dental office emergency kits and nitrous and oxygen tanks
• Follow laboratory procedures according to office protocol

Records Management

• Securely store and handle patient records in compliance with state and federal requirements, including HIPAA privacy and security regulations
• Accurately chart patients, service rendered, any medical history/medication changes and treatment recommended
• Ensure and radiographs are imported correctly into dental software
• Assist in the administration of the recall system

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory and notify ordering personnel of supplies needed

Office Participation

• Help in other areas of the office when necessary (i.e., answering the phone, unpacking supplies, scanning former patient records, etc.)
• Actively participate in morning huddle and team meetings
• Promote team concept by interacting with others in the office

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduate of accredited dental assisting program or dental assisting experience preferred
• Coursework in dental instruments and procedures
• Compliance with state dental practice requirements (e.g., radiograph requirements, OSHA/HIPAA training)
• Proficient computer skills
• Commitment to CE for career development

Interpersonal

• Good interpersonal skills to maintain effective rapport with patients, dentists, other staff members and community
• Effective verbal skills to communicate with patients and staff

Miscellaneous

• Other duties as assigned

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