Specialty Dental Assistant Orthodontics

PDS Health•Brentwood, CA

About The Position

The Specialty Dental Assistant supports clinicians, primarily within orthodontics, in delivering the Perfect Patient Experience and helping create Patients for Life. The role includes patient care, office, and laboratory duties; preparing patients for examinations and treatment; and assisting dental professionals with treatment. Specialty dental assistants may work across multiple offices and may require additional specialty training. They collaborate with clinicians, other dental assistants, and front-office staff, communicate constructively, maintain commitments, and help identify practical solutions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or equivalent, and training courses required by the state for certification, licensure, or registration.
Certificates, licenses, or registrations as mandated by the applicable state.
Specialty Dental Assistants must have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance, or reliable alternate transportation that allows timely travel to assigned offices.
If relying on a driver’s license and automobile insurance, the license must be verified through background and motor vehicle record checks at hire.
Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, staff, vendors, or other business-community members.
Ability to draw valid conclusions, use 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, operating, maintenance, and regulatory documents.
Effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills with patients and co-workers.
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 daily work.
Flexible, adaptive, empathetic, ethical customer-service approach.
Active listening and observation skills and ability to influence constructively.
Self-motivated and reliable; 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 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 keeping patients focused 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 the orthodontists’ 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 clinicians in providing efficient, quality dental care.
Complete 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.
Instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care as directed by the clinician.
Record patient charting and clinicians’ notes in the digital patient chart as directed.
Present treatment records, consents, and health histories to clinicians before treatment.
Maintain equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
Work with the Lead Dental Assistant to ensure adequate clinical supplies are available.
Learn to use 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 best operational practices based on the “We Believes.”
Make decisions consistent with the PDS Brand framework and implement the Perfect Patient Experience process.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, and address others professionally and respectfully.
Comply with company policies and applicable state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Travel to assigned offices as required, including potentially multiple offices per day; travel may be planned or unplanned and may change without notice.