Job Purpose
The Chairside Dental Assistant supports the team by contributing to the day to day operations of the clinic and ensuring a positive experience for patients and staff. This role requires professionalism, dependability and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Sit chairside to relax the patient and hand the dentist proper equipment during appointments
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Sterilize instruments, prepare dental materials and cements, process and mount radiographs and pour and trim cast molds
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Responsible for any duties delegated by the Dentist and/or Lead Dental Assistant. This includes any duty for which the dental assistant has received adequate office-based training by the Dentist and/or Lead Dental Assistant to ensure that the dental assistant is properly aware of all requirements and responsibilities of each duty to be performed including taking X-rays once certified
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Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
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Preventing the spread of infection and disease by maintaining a surgically clean work environment
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Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
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Providing patients with instructions for oral care following treatment
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Teaching patient’s appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;
(e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling) -
Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
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Create, send and track lab cases
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Monitor, order and maintain budget for dental supplies
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Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer
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Assisting in updating and maintaining client dental records / charts
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Maintaining equipment and coordinating any necessary repairs
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Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse as needed
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Providing support to dentists and other staff as needed
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Maintaining OSHA and HIPAA compliance
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Displays the Enhance core values of Continuous Improvement, Selfless Team-First Attitude, Embrace Change, Conquer the Mountain Mentality and Take Initiative
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Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Licenses/Certifications: Current dental assistant license, registration, or permit as required by applicable state regulations. Current CPR certification required. Radiography/X-ray certification required if applicable to job duties and state regulations.
Expanded Functions Preferred: Radiation, Coronal Polishing / Topical Fluoride, Sealants, Nitrous Oxide, Parenteral / Pediatric Anesthesia, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. Must meet all state-specific requirements necessary.
Experience: Previous experience as a Dental Assistant preferred.
Working Conditions
Dental practices run at a fast pace and dental assistants will be required to keep up with the flow of doctors and patients.
Physical Requirements
Dental Assistants will be required to:
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Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
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Repeat the same movements.
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Bend or twist their body.
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Sit for long periods of time.
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Stand for long periods of time.
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Lifting up to 50 pounds
