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, such as preparing patients for examinations and assisting dental professionals with treatment. The assistant works collaboratively with specialty dental assistants, patients, and front-office staff, communicating constructively and keeping colleagues informed. Specialty Dental Assistants assigned to areas such as Oral Surgery may primarily support clinicians in that specialty and may need additional training. This position requires timely travel to multiple offices, potentially several times per day, with travel subject to change without notice.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent, plus 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, or reliable alternate transportation that enables timely travel between multiple assigned offices.
Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, staff, vendors, or 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 and technical documents, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and governmental regulations.
Effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills with patients and coworkers.
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 work.
Flexible, adaptive, empathetic, ethical customer-service advocate.
Active listener and observer who can influence others and create win-win opportunities for 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 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 appropriate treatment while addressing their individual needs and concerns.
Escort patients to and from the front desk and introduce them to team members as appropriate.
Communicate with front- and back-office teams to help 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 treatment.
Complete radiographs and intraoral photographs at the clinician's direction.
Prepare procedure trays 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.
Enter patient charting and clinician notes in the digital patient chart as directed.
Present treatment records, consent forms, and health histories to the clinician before treatment.
Maintain equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
Coordinate 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 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 communicate respectfully.
Comply with company policies and applicable state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.