Dental Assistant

WOW! Smiles•Vallejo, CA

14h

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports quality, caring clinical dentistry by assisting the orthodontist with patient care and clinical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The assistant prepares patients, the operatory, and equipment for examinations and treatment while attending to patient comfort and safety. The role also includes patient education and follow-up, electronic charting and records collection, instrument sterilization, equipment and inventory upkeep, and compliance with OSHA, health, confidentiality, and patient-information requirements. The position requires travel to all responsible region locations and participation in community marketing events and office activities.

Requirements

Must have an X-ray license.
Must have an Infection Control certificate.
Must have a Dental Practice Act.
Must be CPR certified.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and learn quickly.
May be required to lift up to 40 pounds.
Ability to move actively throughout the day, including sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, and reaching; this is not a sedentary position.
Close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to communicate satisfactorily with patients, the doctor, and other staff members, or use an equivalent communication method.
Finger dexterity to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment.
May be required to administer CPR.
Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation.

Responsibilities

Assist the orthodontist in delivering patient care and perform clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Prepare patients, the operatory, and equipment for examinations and treatment, maintaining patient comfort and safety.
Interact positively and compassionately with patients; escort them to and from the treatment room or chair, review areas for improvement, provide treatment progress updates and instructions, answer questions, and make patient care calls.
Learn dental terminology and practice-specific terms, evaluate oral hygiene and cooperation, take impressions for study molds and appliances, prepare teeth for bonding, assist with bonding, and remove, size, and place arch wires within certification limits.
Follow laboratory, sterilization, and office procedures; clean and sanitize instruments without cross-contamination.
Complete electronic patient charting in orthodontic software, ensure charts and required forms are complete before treatment, and take patient records including photos, pano, and ceph.
Handle patient information in compliance with legal requirements, including HIPPA regulations, and maintain confidentiality of business and client information.
Communicate openly with doctors, patients, the Front Desk, and the Office Manager.
Keep dental units ready, stocked, and clean; monitor inventory and alert the office manager when supplies need ordering; maintain a welcoming and attractive office environment.
Assist with internal and external marketing initiatives, staff at least two marketing events per quarter, and represent the company in the community.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, and team-building events; follow team principles outlined in the training packet.
Travel to all responsible region locations and perform other tasks assigned by management and the doctor.