Specialty Dental Assistant Oral Surgery

PDS Health•Portland, OR

About The Position

The Specialty Dental Assistant supports clinicians in oral surgery by helping deliver the Perfect Patient Experience and promoting long-term patient relationships. Dental assistants provide patient care and perform office and laboratory duties, prepare patients for examinations and treatment, and assist dental professionals with care of the teeth, mouth, and gums. Specialty dental assistants work primarily with clinicians in their assigned specialty and may need additional training. The role requires constructive collaboration with specialty dental assistants, patients, and front-office staff, along with active listening, keeping commitments, sharing work progress, and addressing problems practically. Specialty Dental Assistants may need to travel to multiple offices per day, sometimes several times per day. Travel may be planned or unplanned and is subject to change without notice. A valid driver's license and automobile insurance are required, or the employee must have reliable alternate transportation suitable for timely travel between assigned offices.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent, and training courses mandated by the state for certification, licensure, or registration.
Certificates, licenses, or registrations as mandated by the applicable state.
Valid driver's license and automobile insurance, with license verification through background and motor-vehicle-record checks at hire; alternatively, reliable alternate transportation that allows timely travel to multiple assigned offices per day.
Ability to travel promptly to multiple offices per day, potentially several times per day; travel may be planned or unplanned and may change without notice.
Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, staff, vendors, and other members of the business community.
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 skills with patients and coworkers.
Ability to interpret written, verbal, or diagram-based instructions.
Ability to use basic computer software.
Self-motivated, reliable, and able 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 the confidentiality of patient records.
Organized, detail-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Results-oriented, energetic self-starter who sets realistic goals, meets commitments, persists, and prioritizes daily work.
Flexible, adaptive, empathetic, passionate, and ethical customer-service approach.
Active listening and observation skills and the ability to influence toward mutually beneficial change.

Nice To Haves

One-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Additional training for work in a specialty area may be required.

Responsibilities

Perform functions in accordance with the applicable state's Dental Auxiliaries Table of Permitted Duties.
Support the Perfect Patient Experience by focusing patients on optimal treatment while attending to their individual needs and concerns.
Escort patients to and from the front desk and introduce them to other team members as appropriate.
Communicate with front- and back-office teams to help ensure clinicians' schedules run smoothly and efficiently.
Maintain a clean, sterile, and cheerful environment.
Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, and clean operatories according to applicable state infection-control guidelines.
Prepare patients for treatment and assist the dentist in providing efficient, quality care.
Complete radiographs and intra-oral pictures at the clinician's direction.
Prepare tray setups and maintain adequate supplies in each operatory, replenishing as needed.
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 clinical supplies are available.
Learn to operate technology and explain or demonstrate its operation to others.
Participate in 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 PDS Brand.
Implement the Perfect Patient Experience process to help gain Patients for Life.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor and treat others professionally and respectfully.
Comply with company policies and applicable state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.