Specialty Dental Assistant Oral Surgery

PDS Health•Lake Oswego, OR

About The Position

The Specialty Dental Assistant supports clinicians in oral surgery by helping deliver the Perfect Patient Experience and supporting positive, lasting patient relationships. Dental assistants perform patient care, office, and laboratory duties; prepare patients for oral examinations; and assist dental professionals with treatment of the teeth, mouth, and gums. The role requires constructive collaboration with specialty dental assistants, patients, and front-office colleagues. Specialty assistants may need additional training and must be able to travel to multiple assigned offices, sometimes several times per day. Travel may be planned or unplanned and may change without notice.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent, and training courses required by the state for certification, licensure, or registration.
Certificates, licenses, or registrations required by the applicable state.
For specialty dental assistants, a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance, with license verification through a background check and motor vehicle record check at hire; alternatively, reliable alternate transportation that permits timely travel to assigned offices.
Ability to travel to multiple offices per day, potentially several times per day; travel may be planned or unplanned and subject to change without notice.
Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, staff, vendors, and other business community members.
Ability to draw valid conclusions, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions under pressure.
Ability to interact effectively with clinicians and owner doctors.
Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures.
Ability to read and interpret business, professional, technical, safety, maintenance, and regulatory documents.
Effective verbal and written communication with patients and coworkers.
Ability to interpret written, verbal, or diagram-based instructions.
Ability to use basic computer software.
Results-oriented, energetic self-starter who sets realistic goals, meets commitments, persists, and prioritizes work.
Flexible, adaptive, empathetic, ethical customer-service approach.
Active listening and observation skills and ability to influence constructively.
Self-motivated and reliable, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to multitask without compromising work quality.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to handle and maintain strict confidentiality of patient records.
Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

One-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Perform duties in accordance with the applicable state’s Dental Auxiliaries Table of Permitted Duties.
Support the Perfect Patient Experience by encouraging attention to optimal treatment while responding to individual patient needs and concerns.
Escort patients to and from the front desk and introduce them to other team members as appropriate.
Coordinate with front- and back-office teams to help schedules run smoothly and efficiently.
Maintain a clean, sterile, and welcoming environment.
Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment and clean operatories according to applicable state infection-control guidelines.
Prepare patients for treatment and assist clinicians in providing efficient, quality dental care.
Take radiographs and intra-oral pictures at the clinician’s direction.
Prepare procedure tray setups and maintain and replenish supplies in each operatory.
Keep patients’ mouths dry and clear using suction or other devices.
Provide postoperative and general oral-health-care instructions as directed by the clinician.
Record patient charting and clinician notes in the digital patient chart as directed.
Present treatment records, consents, and health history to the clinician before treatment.
Maintain equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
Work with the Lead Dental Assistant to ensure adequate clinical supplies are available.
Learn to operate technology and explain or demonstrate its operation to others.
Attend daily morning huddles, monthly team meetings, and other required meetings.
Model company culture, values, standards, and operational practices based on the “We Believes.”
Make decisions consistent with the PDS Brand framework and demonstrate stewardship of the brand.
Implement the Perfect Patient Experience process to build lasting patient relationships.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor and communicate respectfully.
Comply with company policies and applicable state, federal, and other regulations.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.