TORRADO DENTAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Dental Assistant
Department: Dental Assistant
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $23.00 - $33.00
Work Location: Rochester, NY, In-person
Work Schedule: Full-Time (40hrs), Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Reports to: Dr. Torrado
Supervises: N/A
JOB SUMMARY
Torrado Dental is seeking a Dental Assistant that supports all providers to provide outstanding dental care
to patients. Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials;
passing instruments and materials; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Patient Expectations:
· Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
· Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
· Verify the patient: request full date of birth, review medical history with patient and ask about medications.
· Ensure chart is up to date. (ie. Missing teeth & previous restorations)
· Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
· Deliver sterilized instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments. Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
· Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances.
· Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions.
· Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.
· Utilizes routing slips accurately and efficiently: Enter all appropriate codes for treatment, indicate next appointment (column 1 or 2 and time needed for appointment), provide codes and surfaces for next treatment, cross off any treatment on router not provided and add changes for accurate check out. Hand router to Front Office Coordinator and ensure they do not have questions before you walk away.
· Assistants are responsible for patient notes, priors, and routers to match for processing. All information must be the same.
Confidentiality, Policies, & Procedures:
· Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
· Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
· Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
· Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
· Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
· Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
Professionalism & Continued Development:
· Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in profession societies.
· Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
· Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
· Collect, prepare and organize surgical tools and environmental protection for dental procedures.
· Collect, catalog, and clean surgical tools following dental procedures.
OTHER DUTIES
· Empty trash containers at the end of each day.
· Floors must be swept and mopped using the Swiffer mop at the end of each day.
· Removing visible contamination using standard cleaning solution, inspecting surgical tools for wear or damage and placing orders for replacements.
· Prepare instruments for re-sterilization for future procedures.
· Maintain records of operation and calibration of this equipment and reporting to facility staff
· Clean and sterilize equipment as needed.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES
· N/A
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
· High school diploma or GED required.
· Completion of a NYSED-registered program, 1 year, or equivalent.
· 1–2 years of experience in a dental office or a dental assistant program, with specific training in digital imaging and infection control.
· To perform radiography, a dental assistant must hold a valid NYS registration
· Active CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Core Knowledge & Technical Skills
· Infection Control & Sterilization: Adhering strictly to OSHA and CDC guidelines for cleaning instruments and disinfecting treatment rooms.
· Dental Radiography: Taking and processing X-rays, which requires specific registration/licensure in NYS.
· Chairside Assisting: Passing instruments, mixing dental materials (cement, impression materials), and preparing patients for procedures.
· Medical Record Management: Maintaining accurate, confidential patient records and taking vitals.
· Dental Terminology & Procedures: Understanding of various dental procedures (fillings, crowns, extractions).
Abilities & Soft Skills
· Interpersonal Skills: Communicating effectively with dentists, hygienists, and patients to create a comfortable environment.
· Dexterity & Coordination: High hand-eye coordination for handling small tools and operating equipment within a patient's mouth.
· Attention to Detail: Ensuring instruments are sterilized, and trays are set up correctly to prevent errors.
· Multitasking & Organization: Managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as assisting with procedures while organizing the schedule.
· Empathy: Providing care and emotional support to anxious patients.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands
· Long hours standing, walking, bending, and reaching, often requiring strong manual dexterity for handling instruments.
· Repetitive motions, such as using suction devices and preparing dental materials, can cause discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and wrists.
· High level of hand-eye coordination needed to work in tight spaces on small areas of the mouth.
· Must wear protective equipment (gloves, masks, safety glasses) and adhere to strict sterilization protocols.
Work Environment
· Fast-Paced Setting: High-volume, back-to-back patient scheduling requires rapid, efficient movement between tasks.
· Working in small treatment rooms, often in close physical proximity to dentists, hygienists, and patients.
· Managing patient anxiety, fear, or discomfort, which requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.
· Balancing clinical assisting, chairside preparation, sterilization of instruments, and sometimes administrative tasks.
Hours
· 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM.
I can, with or without reasonable accommodation(s), perform the essential functions of this position:
______________________________
Employee Name
______________________________ _________________
Employee Signature Date
Pay: $23.00 - $33.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
