Specialty Dental Assistant Pediatrics

PDS Health•San Tan Valley, AZ

About The Position

The Specialty Dental Assistant supports clinicians in pediatric dentistry and other specialty areas by delivering the Perfect Patient Experience and helping create long-term patient relationships. The role includes patient-care, office, and laboratory duties, such as preparing patients for examinations and treatment and assisting dental professionals with care of the teeth, mouth, and gums. Specialty Dental Assistants may need additional training and are expected to support clinicians in their assigned specialty. They must work constructively with colleagues, patients, and front-office staff, communicate work progress, keep commitments, and address problems professionally. The position requires timely travel among multiple offices during the day, which may be planned or unplanned and subject to change.

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, or reliable alternate transportation that permits timely travel among assigned offices.
Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, staff, vendors, and other members of the business community.
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, 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 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 the confidentiality of patient records.
Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability 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, ethical, and passionate about customer service.
Active listener and observer who can influence others and support constructive change.

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 addressing their individual 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 the clinicians’ 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 intraoral pictures as directed by the clinician.
Prepare procedure trays and maintain and replenish operatory supplies.
Keep patients’ mouths dry and clear using suction or other devices.
Provide postoperative and general oral-health-care instructions as directed by the clinician.
Enter patient charting and clinician 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.
Coordinate with the Lead Dental Assistant to ensure adequate clinical supplies are available.
Learn to operate technology and explain or demonstrate its operation to others.
Participate in morning huddles, monthly team meetings, and other required meetings.
Model company culture, values, standards, and operational practices, and make decisions consistent with the PDS Brand framework.
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.
Travel to assigned offices as required, potentially visiting multiple offices per day.