Lead Dental Assistant

Job Summary

The Lead Dental Assistant is responsible for the following :

• Serves as a resource on clinic operations and procedures, efficient flow of patients during clinical sessions, and related matters.
• Provides assistance to other dental assistants in evaluating and resolving related problems and issues. Recommends and assists in implementing change in internal systems and procedures.
• Leads and oversees work of designated dental assistant personnel.
• Plans, prioritizes and delegates work assignments,
• Monitors daily schedules and reassigns support staff to provide required coverage.
• Monitors work performance, providing feedback and guidance as needed. Trains and orients new personnel.
• Controls inventory of clinical control, ordering and distribution of all clinical supplies.
• Identifies and resolves discrepancies in supply invoices.
• Coordinates the maintenance and repair of equipment by staff and vendors.
• Plans for the maintenance, servicing of clinical equipment.
• Greets and directs patients, provides routine information on procedures and escorts patients in and out of service area.
• Calms and soothes anxious / nervous or uncooperative patients throughout the course of their treatment.
• Prepares room and instruments for scheduled procedures.
• Mixes materials and passes instruments to dental provider as requested.
• As directed by provider, instructs patients on proper dental care and follow up.
• Takes dental impressions and produces study models.
• Prepares models according to established procedure for delivery to outside lab facility.
• Logs lab case information upon submission and return. Identifies and resolves discrepancies in lab cases sent, returned, or damaged.
• Takes, develops, mounts and files dental radiographs that meet the minimum departmental standards for quality and readability.
• Understands proper positioning technique and other requirements when taking panoramic and / or cephalometric films.
• Checks quality of image and reviews with provider before re taking an image, to minimize exposure to radiation.
• Takes digital photographs as instructed.
• May scan physical non digital images into electronic dental record.
• Charts teeth and conditions in patient’s electronic dental record as directed by the licensed provider. Maintains the cleanliness of patient areas, workrooms, and equipment.
• Cleans, disinfects and maintains dental instruments and equipment.
• Ensures operatory is cleaned and sterilized prior to patient examinations.
• Monitors the status of soiled utility room.
• Ensures departmental compliance with infection control standards and universal precautions.
• Conducts infection control training in this area for clinical staff.

The Lead Dental Assistant must have the following :

• BLS certification or CPR / AED certification and Board approved examination for DANB Radiation Health and Safety RHS. Radiology Certification through MA Dental Society.
• 3 years of experience
• Completion of a CODA Accredited Program Certificate
• Current Massachusetts license as a Dental Assistant
30+ days ago