Dental Assistant w/Expanded Function

Department: Dental

Manager Title: Medical Director

DOL Status: Non - Exempt

Job Summary: To provide patient care and support functions for the Dental Department including assisting with dental procedures, lab work and office functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for coronal polishing under supervision/direction of dentist
• Responsible for sealant placement under the supervision/direction of dentist
• Responsible for the patient's comfort as well as the patient's understanding of treatment that will be delivered.
• Responsible for taking and developing diagnostic quality dental radiographs. Also responsible for determining if the quality of the radiographs is within acceptable limits.
• Responsible for basic dental equipment maintenance as well as having an understanding of and ability to perform instrument and operatory sterilization.
• Responsible for keeping operatories stocked with dental materials and supplies.
• Responsible for dental charting in a clear, concise method that is acceptable by ADA standards, and easily read and understood by any Dental Provider.
• Responsible for the proper use and mixing of restorative materials, impression materials, bases, liners, and other dental materials.
• Responsible for the proper pouring up of impressions and trimming of models.
• Responsible for any of the duties as directed by the Dental Director.
• Responsible for front desk/appointing duties when designated by the Dental Director. These duties include:
  • Answering telephone calls, transferring calls to the appropriate person.
  • Taking phone messages and scheduling appointments for patients.
  • Scheduling appointments for patients.
  • Checking patients in.
  • Calling for charts.
  • Triaging emergency patients.

Knowledge of:

• Community resources.
• Organizational skills.
• Age-specific medical care.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Culturally sensitive care.

Ability to:

• Stand on feet for long periods of time.
• Follow-through, assume responsibility and use good judgment.
• Maintain professionalism under stressful situations.
• Provide excellent customer service and telephone skills.
• Self motivate and direct with the ability to prioritize and work efficiently under pressure.
• Understand and follow verbal and written communication.

Experience/Training:

• • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Dental Assistant diploma
  • Certification of Completion for Coronal Polishing and Application of Pit and Fissure Sealants

• • Current CPR certification.

• • Previous dental assisting experience preferred.

Technical Knowledge:

• PC, email, facsimile machine, computerized voice mail system, and common office machines.

Software Knowledge:

• Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)

Personal Characteristics:

• Detail oriented with the ability to work with minimum/no supervision.
• Exude strong customer service skills
• Possess the ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with all levels of staff, clients, and the public.
• Willingness to be part of a team-unit and cooperate in the accomplishment of departmental goals and objectives.
• Effective and creative problem solving.
• Bilingual preferred (written and verbal)