We are seeking a skilled and motivated Dental Assistant to join our family-oriented practice. In this role, you will enhance the efficiency and functionality of our clinical department. The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and a deep understanding of dental procedures along with their associated clinical tasks.
Essential functions include:
Preparing patients for dental procedures, assisting the dentist during treatment by passing instruments, taking dental X-rays, sterilizing instruments, maintaining patient records, providing post-treatment care instructions, building treatment plans with the doctor and ensuring the cleanliness and organization of the dental operatory; essentially providing chairside support to the dentist while ensuring patient comfort and a smooth dental procedure.
Clinical Support
- Assists the doctor during a variety of treatments, exams, procedures and operations.
- Prepares tables and trays for dentist with necessary instruments and supplies, as he would want them prepared.
- Clean and sterilize instruments and prepare treatment rooms.
- Ensures appropriate supply of equipment and materials.
- Experience using Eaglesoft software and PRIME SCAN / CERIC crown processes
- Proficient working a doctor’s schedule of surgeries, exams, and patient procedures and directing him and the assisting team for efficiency.
- Assists hygienist with patient care whenever necessary.
- Enters accurate and complete treatment plans for review and presentation.
- Directs doctor accordingly to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
- Addresses any patient questions and/or concerns.
- Proficient in dental software and having the proper ADA code knowledge for walking out procedures and handling treatment plans for patients' present and future treatment.
- Proficient at performing patient chart reviews following standard operating procedures as well as collaborating and obtaining patient documentation and imaging as mandated for surgical procedures and insurance coverage when necessary.
- Maintains a smooth patient workflow with the front office staff and clinical teams to promote timely and exceptional patient experience visits.
Inventory Management
- Help maintain a running list of dental supply inventory.
- Monitor dental supply expirations and dispose of materials accordingly.
- Work in conjunction with hygienists and other assistants to request dental supply needs for ordering while adhering to inventory budget.
Patient Care
- Reviews patient health histories and documents all medications, medical conditions and alerts the doctor to any abnormalities.
- Obtains and documents patient’s vital signs and alerts doctors to any abnormalities.
- Obtains, documents, and updates patient dental history, as well as overall health and medication history.
- Takes x-rays, photos and CBCTs and uploads into patient charts as appropriate.
- Assists in all sterilization procedures, along with the maintenance of office equipment used for sterilization.
- Performs the setup and breakdown of all operatory equipment, instruments, and documents on time, to meet regulatory and compliance requirements and to keep the doctor on schedule with daily patient care.
- Assists the doctor during a variety of treatments, exams, and procedures.
- Experience with PRIME SCAN and CERIC crown processes and designs.
- Actively delivers a positive patient experience by striving to keep patients focused on the best possible treatment.
- Educates patients in oral care and ensures the sterility of instruments and operatory before subsequent patients arrive.
Compliance
- Maintains OSHA standards and HIPAA according to compliance and programs.
- Abides by all PPE standards for clinical staff.
- Practices universal precautions and proper infection control.
- Minimizes waste, fraud, and abuse.
- Reports any hazardous situations to the doctor.
- Knowledgeable of spill containment and clean up.
- Abides by the allowable and prohibited duties for dental assistants as outlined by the state of South Dakota.
- Ensure that office Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are up to date and readily available.
- Ensure maintenance of emergency kits and first aid supplies in the office to ensure accuracy and compliance with OSHA.
Competencies
- Skilled in X-rays, CBCT/pano, PRIME SCAN, CERIC crowns and patient charting with Eaglesoft software.
- Detail oriented.
- Maintains confidentiality - HIPPA compliance.
- Provides a general knowledge base needed to perform the job duties.
- Exhibits professionalism: patience, communication skills, customer service and patient care.
- Performs job duties with a positive attitude and dedication to working hard.
- Proactive in identifying areas of opportunity and making the appropriate adjustments.
- Always performing their best work and leading others to do the same.
Work environment
Family orientated dental office - clinical environment - Potential exposure to hazardous waste and blood borne pathogens.
Required education and experience
- Previous dental experience required.
- Possess an equivalent to high school diploma or general education degree (GED) and any specified training courses as mandated by the state for certification, licensure, or registration required.
- Associate degree or one-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
- Active Registered Dental Assistant License required.
Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
License/Certification:
- Registered Dental Assistant (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
