Dental Assistant
About The Position
The Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance during operative and dental treatment procedures and performs office and clerical tasks related to patient records, appointments, and fees. The role prepares dental instruments and materials and assists with dental services and techniques, including four-handed dentistry, impressions, radiographs, rubber dam placement, and patient management. The Dental Assistant supports dentists, hygienists, and other dental team members with clinical work and administrative tasks. Duties include documenting charts, managing copies and files, updating pre-authorizations and treatment plans, and helping maintain clinic flow through sterilization, room turnover, stocking, cleaning, and organizing materials. The role may also communicate with callers about patient care and explain procedures, treatment plans, costs, post-operative care appointments, and hygiene instructions. Performing coronal polishing requires completion of an approved course with at least 14 contact hours, including 10 hours of didactic instruction and 4 hours of clinical participation. Taking dental X-rays requires completion of an approved course with at least 16 hours of classroom instruction. Courses must meet the accreditation and instructor qualifications described in the posting.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- BLS certification or ability to earn certification within three months.
- Ability to communicate effectively and articulate both orally and in writing.
- Ability to organize tasks, establish priorities, and meet established deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Ability to work well with individuals from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Nice To Haves
- Graduate of an accredited dental assisting program.
- Bilingual Spanish-speaking.
Responsibilities
- Provide chairside assistance for operative and dental treatment procedures.
- Prepare dental instruments and materials needed for patient treatment.
- Assist with dental techniques and services, including four-handed dentistry, impressions, radiographs, rubber dam placement, and patient management.
- Provide support and relief to other dental team members with clinical work and minor administrative and business details, as directed by a dentist or hygienist.
- Document charts at the request of a dentist or hygienist.
- Copy and file documents, update pre-authorizations and treatment plans, and complete other administrative support projects.
- Perform duties that improve dentist efficiency, including impressions, X-rays, coronal polishing, and four-handed dentistry, subject to applicable course requirements.
- Maintain clinic flow by sterilizing instruments, turning over rooms, stocking and cleaning, and putting materials away.
- Provide callers with information regarding patient care as directed by a dentist or hygienist.
- Explain procedures, treatment plans, costs, post-operative care appointments, and hygiene instructions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
