Dental Assistant

Summary

Working under the guidance of the Dental Services Coordinator, the Dental Assistant is entrusted with delivering top-tier dental patient care and services. The role primarily involves providing chair-side assistance to the Dental Provider, while also encompassing various additional responsibilities as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Dental Provider during patient care procedures.

• Adhere to established protocols for radiograph development, employing safety measures to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. Oversee the status of laboratory work, facilitating efficient communication with the receptionist for timely follow-up appointments.

• Monitor dental equipment for repair and promptly communicate needed repairs to Dental Services Coordinator.

• Maintain awareness regarding dental inventory and proactively communicate supply needs to the Dental Services Coordinator.

• Ensure smooth patient flow within the treatment area, optimizing the efficiency of operations.

• Responsible for completing daily, weekly, and monthly quality controls.

• Required to make follow up appointments for patient care.

• Responsible for post-op calls after extractions.

• Execute dental laboratory tasks in compliance with legal guidelines and standards.

• Maintain an ongoing awareness of proper instrument maintenance procedures.

• Prepare and arrange necessary instrumentation for various dental treatments, including endodontic therapy, prosthodontic care, oral surgery, and restorative therapy.

• Skillfully prepare and mix dental materials, including sedative dressings and luting cements.

• Takes preliminary impressions.

• Adheres to all Community Health Net dental policies/procedures, HRSA, JACHO, and OSHA Standards.

• Maintains supply order. Notify site supervisor when supplies are low, as to supply list.

• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Successful completion of an accredited dental assistant program or equivalent experience is required. 
• Must hold a valid radiology permit and be certified to take x-rays in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Customer service skills- able to develop good customer relationships with a focus on achieving customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of dental/medical terminology, dental procedures, and diagnosis. 
• Possess excellent visual acuity, with the ability to stand for extended periods, bend, stretch, and exhibit manual dexterity to fulfill physical demands. 

• Knowledge of computer and relevant software applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills.
• Adaptability- able to adjust approach to meet changing demands and situations including dealing with diverse people.
• Attention to detail- able to produce accurate and high-quality work through concern for all areas involved.