Dental Assistant

Description

Job Summary:

Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; taking intraoral x-ray films; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act; sanitization of treatment room, sterilization of treatment instruments; charting and documentation of treatment procedures in patient chart.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• •Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• •Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, draping patient, and taking intraoral x-rays if indicated.
• •Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• •Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering 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 images.
• •Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• •Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions as indicated by procedures.
• •Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.
• •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 and anticipating needed supplies.
• •Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• •Contributes to team effort and represents clinic to community in a positive manner.
• •Represents clinic to the community, patients, and others in a positive manner.

Requirements

Skills:

• •Ability to work as a team member.
• •Excellent attention to detail.
• •Ability to perform diagnostic procedures.
• •Thorough and organized.
• •Excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills

Physical Demands:

Physical Abilities

Stand Constantly

Walk Frequently

Sit Frequently

Handling/Fingering Constantly

Reach Outward Occasionally

Reach above Shoulder Occasionally

Climb Occasionally

Crawl Not Applicable

Bend Frequently

Push Pull:

12 lbs or less Frequently

13-25 lbs Occasionally

26-40 lbs Not Applicable

41-100 lbs Not Applicable

Lift Carry:

10 lbs or less Constantly

11-20 lbs Occasionally

21-50 lbs Occasionally

51-100 lbs Occasionally

Over 100 lbs Not Applicable