Description A Brief Overview
The Dental Assistant works on behalf of the patient and the dentist, helping to assure a high level of professional excellence in oral health care delivery.
What You Will Do
- Understand and manage the daily clinical schedule to ensure on-time appointments and the maintenance of production goals
- Manage clinical patient flow to ensure the most efficient and effective care for every patient
- Ensure that the appropriate clinical practice guidelines are consistently followed
- Carefully sterilize and disinfect all instruments and equipment
- Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and tray setups for dental procedures
- Greet and prepare patients for treatment; employ high-level customer service skills
- Effectively and safely capture intra- and extra-oral dental radiographs and photos
- Proactively assist the dentist during examinations and treatment procedures, utilizing 4-handed assisting techniques
- Deliver preventive patient care (coronal polishing, sealants) as directed by the Dentist(s)
- Understand the scope of the treatment for each appointment, and prepare appropriately for all daily procedures
- Conduct work in compliance with organizational policies and procedures, safety, and regulatory guidelines
- Record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients
- Accurately record treatment information, both completed and proposed, in patient files, in accordance with clinical record keeping standards
- Maintain an organized and efficient clinical work-space; ensure instruments, equipment, and supplies are at the ready in case of unexpected need
- Participate in the achievement of patient satisfaction and office production goals by working efficiently and providing a high level of patient service
- Provide patient education and educational materials
- Monitor patients under nitrous oxide / oxygen analgesia
- Maintain the proper level of clinical product / material stock in accordance with established office standards
- Maintain an appropriate office environment
Additional Responsibilities
Performs other duties as assigned.Complies with all policies and standards.For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.Qualifications Education
High School Equivalent / GED (Required) andGraduate of accredited Dental Assisting Program (Required)Work Experience
2+ years and 3000 hours of experience in clinical dental assisting (Required) andPediatric Dental specialty experience (Preferred) andAdvanced patient-flow management experience (Preferred) andWorking knowledge of dental equipment and instrumentation (Required)Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Good communication skills (Required proficiency)Well-developed Patient-Flow and Schedule management skills (Required proficiency)Ability to perform detailed work according to established formats and protocols (Required proficiency)Conscientious, task-oriented, work mentality (Required proficiency)Ability to perform detailed work according to the practices established clinical and office policies (Required proficiency)Good ambidextrous coordination and balance (Required proficiency)General computer and keyboard skills, knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite (Required proficiency)General CDT Procedure Code knowledge (Required proficiency)Ability to multi-task and work with interruptions (Required proficiency)Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with patients and demonstrate a friendly attitude, even while under pressure (Required proficiency)Advanced CDT Procedure Code knowledge (Preferred proficiency)Dental practice management software knowledge (Preferred proficiency)Knowledge of sterilization equipment and protocols (Required proficiency)Licenses and Certifications
Basic Life Support (BLS) Upon Hire (Required)Current State of Ohio Dental Radiographers License (Required) andCertified Dental Assistant (Required) andCoronal Polishing Certification (Required) andPit & Fissure Sealant Certification (Required) andNitrous-oxide / Oxygen Monitoring Certification (or equivalent) (Required)Physical Demands
Standing FrequentlyWalking FrequentlySitting RarelyLifting Frequently 50 lbsCarrying Frequently 50 lbsPushing Frequently 50 lbsPulling Frequently 50 lbsClimbing Occasionally 50 lbsBalancing OccasionallyStooping FrequentlyKneeling FrequentlyCrouching FrequentlyCrawling OccasionallyReaching FrequentlyHandling FrequentlyGrasping FrequentlyFeeling ConstantlyTalking ConstantlyHearing ConstantlyRepetitive Motions ConstantlyEye / Hand / Foot Coordination ConstantlyTravel Requirements
10%