Dental Assistant

Job Title: Dental Assistant
D epartment: Dental
Reports To: Dental Services Manager
Status: Full-Time
Date: ASAP
Primary Purpose and Essential Functions:

• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocol.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating and draping patient.
• Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic images.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control and postoperative instructions.
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records (clinical notes, treatment plans, and procedure codes).
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Prepares instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area, positioning instruments for dentist's access, suctioning, and passing instruments.
• Assists in the provision of direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer's instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining equipment inventories and evaluating new equipment techniques.

Training/ Educational / Experience Qualifications:

• High school diploma or its equivalency is required.
• Dental assistant certificate or training is preferred but not required.

Physical, Communication, Mental and Environmental Demands:

• Prolonged sitting, with frequent periods of standing.
• Occasional periods of bending, stooping, reaching and/or lifting (under 50lbs).

• Ability to communicate (verbal, written, etc.) clearly and effectively.
• Ability to handle stressful situations while demonstrating a motivated and positive attitude.

Pay Range: $17 - $20 per hour