Lead, Dental Assistant

The Lead Dental Assistant is considered a member of the management team.  This role is directly responsible for assisting the providers with the clinical treatment of patients as deemed appropriate by state guidelines as well as leadership duties such as employee training, scheduling, and clinical supply ordering.  The Lead Dental Assistant will have the same chairside responsibilities outlined on the Dental Assistant job description as well as the duties listed below. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Monitors schedules, manages, and responds to production and provider/employee scheduling needs. 

• Manages a smooth and proficient patient care schedule flow daily.  

• Participates in the recruiting and training of new clinical employees. 

• Ensures accurate notes of all consultations and treatments are recorded in the patient’s record and doctor’s signature is obtained. 

• Serves as a clinical resource and role model for other clinical staff members. 

• Maintains oversight of dental assisting team and trains as needed. 

• Prioritizes patient care over management tasks and completes thoroughly and in a timely manner. 

• Assists with developing clinical policies and procedures to ensure safety and infection control compliance. 

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

• Provides a daily attention to facility and equipment detail to ensure high level of cleanliness and presentation for patients.  

• Uses and ensures others use all equipment and machinery in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and ensure that they are maintained regularly and in good working order. 

• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques 

• Be familiar and comply with all Health and Safety rules and guidance infection control, and ensure safe disposal of sharps and clinical waste 

• Maintains high communication with dental labs to facilitate any needs in the lab workflow. 

• Ensure adequate stocks of materials and other items within the clinic are ordered within budget. 

• Approve invoices in accounts payable software. 

• Coordinates with VP of Procurement regarding supply and equipment needs. 

Required Skills and Abilities 

• A good understanding of current dental and surgical techniques for an implant focused practice 

• Excellent chairside abilities and knowledge of health and safety protocols 

• Ability to provide empathetic patient care and leadership even under stressful circumstances 

• Consistent professionalism in appearance and attitude 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  

• Superior interpersonal and customer service skills 

• Basic computer skills required and proficiency in MS products a plus 

Education and Experience 

• Highschool diploma required 

• Dental Assisting Certification per State Guidelines required 

• Additional clinical certifications and/or expanded functions preferred  

• BLS Certification required 

• 3+ years of prior clinical experience required.  

• 1+ year of management experience required 

• Fluent in English required and Spanish as second language is a plus 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to withstand prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, using a phone, and working at a computer 

• Ability to move within the office as needed for patient care, cleaning, and meetings 

• Ability to lift to 0-15 pounds if necessary 

Company Benefits  

Comprehensive benefit package including competitive wages, health insurance, 401K, PTO accrual, and paid holidays.