JOB STATEMENT

The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting Dentists and/or Dental Hygienists in providing quality dental services to patients.

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Greets patients, assists with check-in and check-out as needed.
• Notifies the dental provider of the patient’s arrival.
• Helps parents/caregivers in completing health and dental history (as necessary).
• Ensures that all required paperwork is complete (e.g. signatures).
• Prepares rooms for patient dental procedures, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
• Shows patients to examination rooms and prepares them for the dental provider.
• Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
• Assists provider during dental procedures (e.g. handing them instruments, etc.)
• Translates for patients and providers as needed to help communicate pertinent information.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dental health provider.
• Exposes and develops dental radiographs (x-rays) in accordance with regulations and directives.
• Records treatment information in patient records.
• Schedules appointments, verifies insurance, and handles money transaction for dental services.
• Contacts patients regarding upcoming appointments or to schedule 6 month check-ups.
• Answers, retrieves, and/or returns patient telephone calls and helps resolve patient inquiries.
• Notifies the Dental Director and/or Hygienist of any patient or parental concerns.
• Maintains adequate inventory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for ordering purposes.
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments and disposes of contaminated materials.
• Trains other Dental Assistants in work procedures and policies.
• Performs other tasks as required by management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent
• Specialized Training/Certifications:
  • Dental Assistant Program from an accredited institution.
  • Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Registration.
  • Current Health Care Provider CPR Certification.
• Experience: None
• Knowledge: * General Dentistry * Office Procedures a plus * Fluent in Spanish a plus
• Skills: * Basic Computer Literacy * Patient-Centered Focus * Following Directions * Attention to Detail * Confidentiality
• Abilities: * Must be able to speak, read, write, and comprehend the English language. * Ability to stand/walk for majority of the shift. * Must be able to bend or stoop. * Must be able to lift 20lbs. unassisted. * Must have good vision (e.g. near acuity and depth perception) * Must be able to physically assist patients that may be in physical distress, fainting/falling or provider general assistance if mobility of patient is impaired.
• Other: * Must be able to maintain required immunizations as required by the organization. * Must be comfortable being exposed or potentially exposed to blood, body fluids, or tissues.