Traveling Dental Assistant Oral Surgery

PDS Health•Kansas City, KS

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 examinations and treatment; and assisting dental professionals with care of the teeth, mouth, and gums. Dental assistants collaborate constructively with specialty dental assistants, patients, and front-office staff, communicate work progress, keep commitments, and address problems to identify practical solutions. In an oral surgery or other specialty assignment, the assistant primarily supports clinicians in that specialty and may need additional training. Specialty Dental Assistants travel to multiple 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 equivalent, and training courses required by the state for certification, licensure, or registration.
Certificates, licenses, and registrations as mandated by the applicable state.
For Specialty Dental Assistants, a valid driver's license and automobile insurance, or reliable alternative transportation that permits timely travel to multiple offices.
Specialty Dental Assistants with a driver's license and automobile insurance must complete a background check and motor vehicle record check at hire.
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, and 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.
Strong 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.
Results-oriented approach, including setting realistic goals, meeting commitments, persistence, and effective prioritization.
Customer-service orientation, including flexibility, adaptability, empathy, passion, and ethical conduct.
Influencing skills, including active listening and observing behavior and creating win-win opportunities for change.

Responsibilities

Perform duties in accordance with the applicable state's Dental Auxiliaries Table of Permitted Duties.
Participate in the Perfect Patient Experience by encouraging focus on optimal treatment while attending to patients' 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 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 the dentist in providing efficient, quality dental treatment.
Complete radiographs and intra-oral pictures at the clinician's direction.
Prepare 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 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 operational practices based on the “We Believes.”
Represent the PDS Brand and make decisions consistent with its framework.
Implement the Perfect Patient Experience process to help gain Patients for Life.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, and interact professionally and respectfully.
Comply with company policies and applicable state, federal, and other regulatory requirements.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.