Traveling Dental Assistant Oral Surgery

PDS Health•Houston, TX

10d

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports clinicians by delivering the Perfect Patient Experience and helping create Patients for Life. The role includes patient care, office, and laboratory duties; preparing patients for oral examinations and treatment; and assisting dental professionals with care involving the teeth, mouth, and gums. The assistant works collaboratively with specialty dental assistants, patients, and front-office staff, communicating constructively and reliably. In specialty settings such as oral surgery, the assistant primarily supports clinicians in that specialty and may need additional training. Specialty Dental Assistants travel to multiple assigned offices, potentially several times per day; travel may be planned or unplanned and can change without notice. They must have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance or reliable alternate transportation that enables timely travel. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and training courses mandated by the applicable state for certification, licensure, or registration. Specialty Dental Assistants must meet state certificate, license, or registration requirements. A one-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school, or equivalent education and experience, is preferred.

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.
For Specialty Dental Assistants: valid driver’s license and automobile insurance, or reliable alternate transportation enabling timely travel to multiple offices per day.
Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, staff, vendors, or 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 and presentation skills with patients and coworkers.
Ability to interpret written, verbal, or diagrammed instructions.
Ability to use basic computer software.
Self-starter who sets realistic goals, meets commitments, persists, and prioritizes daily work to achieve results.
Flexible, adaptive, empathetic, ethical customer-service approach.
Active listening and observation skills, with the ability to influence and support mutually beneficial change.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform duties in accordance with the applicable state’s Dental Auxiliaries Table of Permitted Duties.
Deliver 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 ensure the orthodontists’ schedule runs smoothly and efficiently.
Maintain a clean, sterile, and cheerful environment.
Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, and clean operatories in accordance with 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 them as needed.
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 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.
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 demonstrate stewardship of the brand.
Implement the Perfect Patient Experience process to help gain Patients for Life.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor and address others professionally and respectfully.
Comply with company policies and applicable state, federal, and other regulations.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.