Dental Assistant

AllWays Community Health Center•Topeka, KS

11d

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery by preparing the treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; taking intraoral X-rays; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act; sanitizing treatment rooms; sterilizing instruments; and documenting procedures in patient charts. The role also supports patient education, infection control, equipment maintenance, supply management, and positive representation of the clinic.

Requirements

Ability to work as a team member.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to perform diagnostic procedures.
Thorough and organized.
Excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Prepare treatment rooms for patients by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
Welcome, comfort, seat, and drape patients, and take intraoral X-rays when indicated.
Answer questions and requests from patients and employees.
Sterilize and deliver instruments to the treatment area, position instruments for dentist access, suction, and pass instruments.
Select, mix, and place materials on instruments and in patients’ mouths.
Expose and develop radiographic images to provide diagnostic information.
Help the dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supplies, and an emergency telephone directory.
Provide oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions to patients as indicated by procedures.
Document dental care services by charting in patient records.
Maintain patient confidentiality and protect clinic operations.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment by following procedures, rules, and regulations.
Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
Maintain dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance, following manufacturer instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, arranging repairs, maintaining equipment inventories, and evaluating new equipment and techniques.
Monitor dental supply inventory and anticipate needed supplies.
Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies appropriately.
Contribute to the team and represent the clinic positively to the community, patients, and others.