Traveling Dental Assistant Oral Surgery

PDS Health•Houston, TX

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 of the teeth, mouth, and gums. The assistant works constructively with co-workers, specialty dental assistants, patients, and front-office staff, while keeping colleagues informed and addressing problems professionally. For specialty assignments 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 as needed, 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 as mandated by the applicable state.
For Specialty Dental Assistants, a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, with driver's license verification through background and motor vehicle record checks at hire; alternatively, reliable alternate transportation that enables required timely travel between offices.
For Specialty Dental Assistants, 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, 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, operational, maintenance, and regulatory documents.
Effective verbal and written communication skills with patients and co-workers.
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 and detail-oriented, with ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Results-oriented, flexible, adaptive, empathetic, passionate, ethical, and able to listen actively and influence constructively.

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 focusing patients on optimal treatment while addressing their 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 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 treatment.
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.
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 histories 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 operational practices, and make decisions consistent with the PDS Brand framework.
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.