Pediatric Dental Assistant

Neighborhood Health•Arlington, VA

6d•$19 - $26

About The Position

The Pediatric Dental Assistant prepares patients and treatment materials and equipment, assists the dentist with restorative dentistry and oral surgery, provides patient education under the dentist’s direction, takes x-rays, and assists with laboratory work. The role may also include making appointments, answering phones, and ordering supplies. The assistant supports pediatric dental care, including care delivered under nitrous oxide sedation, and helps manage medical and dental emergencies. The position also involves maintaining accurate patient records, following HIPAA, OSHA, and infection-control requirements, maintaining dental equipment, contributing to team goals, and working effectively with patients and staff from diverse backgrounds. The employee may also prepare reports, recommend workflow improvements, take on project lead assignments, and perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Able to work in a fast-paced setting and tolerate interruptions and changes to treatment plans.
Comfortable working in a dental setting.
Experience working with the population served by Neighborhood Health, such as Latino immigrants and refugees, clients of all ages, and people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Cultural competency, including sensitivity, understanding, and expertise in caring for people from diverse cultures.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
Able to work under minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish.
Completion of Dental Assistant training.
Dental Assisting National Board certificate.
At least 2–3 years of experience in functions such as taking dental radiographs, maintaining dental equipment, performing oral prophylaxis procedures, and assisting the dentist in patient treatment.

Responsibilities

Take and record patients’ medical and dental histories and vital signs.
Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
Guide the pediatric dentist in efficiently delivering care under nitrous oxide sedation.
Take preliminary impressions for space maintainers.
Assist the dentist in managing medical and dental emergencies.
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by the dentist.
Record treatment information and notes in patient records.
Maintain patient records and related documentation accurately and promptly in accordance with HIPAA and related regulations.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment in compliance with OSHA procedures, rules, and regulations.
Follow CDC and/or organizational infection-control policies and protocols to protect patients, self, and employees.
Maintain dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance, following manufacturer instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, and immediately notifying a supervisor of malfunctioning equipment.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through continuing education, reviewing professional publications, establishing networks, and participating in professional societies.
Contribute to team effort by accomplishing shared goals.
Demonstrate cultural competence and work with staff and patients from diverse backgrounds.
Prepare and maintain special internal and external reports as requested by a supervisor or department head.
Assist with developing, coordinating, and recommending workflow improvements.
Take on project lead roles as assigned to advance department development and support ad hoc needs.
Work under minimal supervision.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as dictated by events and circumstances.
Prepare patients for treatment and prepare materials and equipment for the dentist’s use.
Assist the dentist with restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and laboratory work; provide patient education at the dentist’s direction.
May make appointments, answer phones, and order supplies.