Dental Assistant Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supports CHP dentists by assisting with instruments, seating patients, room preparation and instrument cleaning.
- Greets patients upon arrival, escorts patients from waiting room to treatment room.
- Takes patient vitals and records for dentist evaluation.
- Take dental intra-oral and radiographs.
- Gather patient’s medical history for dentist review and final documentation.
- Documents patient’s current medicines, medical conditions and pre-med if needed.
- Document patient’s blood pressure, weight and smoking status.
- Call in prescriptions as directed by the dentist.
- Provides chair side assistance during procedures as directed by attending dentist.
- Performs lab tasks as including denture and crown preparation.
- Ensure lab cases for the next day have arrived from the lab.
- Sets up, breaks and wipes down treatment room between patients.
- Clean, check, sterilize dental instruments, flush water lines, and maintain autoclaves.
- Help with tracking and ordering supplies.
- Follows all safety protocols set forth by CHP, Department of Public Health and OSHA.
- Answers phones and assists front desk.
- Schedules new and established patent appointments as needed.
- May collect patient’s co-pay, deductibles and treatment payments when applicable.
- Relieves and steps in for receptionist when needed.
- May be responsible to open and close front door of office at start and end of day.
- Confirm patient appointments for the upcoming days.
- Inform Dental Center Practice Manager of any irregular procedure observed by a patient or companion while in the waiting area or during intake process.
- Observe and cooperate with the security of the dental center at all time.
- Flexible schedule including some Saturday hours.
- Flexible to assist at other sites as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Demonstrate ability to manage projects or tasks.
- Manage difficult or emotional patient situations.
- Respond promptly to patient needs.
- Solicit patient feedback to improve service.
- Respond to requests for service and assistance.
- Complete administrative tasks correctly and on time.
- Cover when needed and cross train for additional administration/dental coverage or other site management as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Professional, welcoming, and pleasant personality.
- Contribute to building a positive team spirit.
- Respond well to questions.
- Takes careful and accurate notes.
- Follow up on messages and ensures delivery of messages.
- Compose/type letters if requested by administration.
Essential Skills and Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Good communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
- Spanish speaking/bilingual skills are a plus.
- Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Dentrix expertise is preferred. Database skills are a plus.
- Attend continuing education meetings to maintain license.
Education and/or Experience
- High school or GED.
- Must be listed with the State of Massachusetts as a Registered Dental Assistant.
- Front desk reception experience is a plus.
- DANB certification is required.
- Maintain a current CPR license.