Dental Assistant

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting in the performance of quality, caring dentistry and to aid the doctor smoothly and unobtrusively. This position performs clinical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The assistant gets the patient ready, prepares the room and equipment and assists the dentist during treatment. Adheres to all required OSHA and health regulations.

• In addition to following all the policies, procedures, and protocols of the health center and the department, the dental assistant is accountable for the following:
• Prepare clinic for daily activity upon arrival, including stocking the floor/bays.
• Seat the patient, review insurance status, and assist in assuring all patients are properly insured or have made a deposit, prior to treatment.
• Prepare patient for treatment.
• Collect/confirm data and demographics, information, and vital signs.
• Interview patients about personal, medical, and dental histories.
• Present the patient to the dentist and highlight key areas of concern.
• Serve as patient’s advocate throughout the patient’s visit.
• Assist in the behavioral management of the patient.
• Assure the comfort and safety of the patient environment at all times, and report any issues to the dental leadership immediately.
• Set up instrument tray.
• Expose radiographs as directed and quality check the diagnostic quality of the images, including orientation, contrast, positioning, correct structure(s) captured.
• Provide active chair side assistance – be proactive and anticipate needs.
• Perform “Time Out” procedures in conjunction with provider.

• Perform weekly biological test – monitor and report results.
• Complete sterilization logs – confirm slips and proper documentation.
• Attend trainings and report back and/or train fellow staff.
• Maintain the sterilizers.

• Participate in weekly ordering.
• Monitor and maintain a full stock of supplies and equipment in central supply.
• Open, examine, and confirm packing slips for newly arrived supplies and put all supplies in the proper place in a timely manner.

• Treat all equipment with respect and the highest level of care. Ensure the security of all equipment at all times.
• Monitor and remove broken instruments from use via broken instrument policy.
• Participate in the inventorying of all instruments for each quarter.
• Help facilitate interactions with repair vendors.

• Pour dental models.
• Maintain dental cases, pending cases, and lab logbook.
• Place lab cases in each provider’s lab storage area.
• Review pending lab cases and monitor overall case status.
• Maintain clean lab environment at all times.

• Organize and maintain supply and lab packing slips/invoices.
• Maintain dental records.
• Fulfill requests for copies of dental records.
• Schedule appointments.
• Cover the front desk as needed.
• Communicate status and needs to front desks, fellow assistants and providers, dental leadership.
• Continually monitor practice patient flow and anticipate and assist other team members to best serve the patients.
• Read, maintain, and respond to Codman Square email account.

• Respect/protect the confidentiality of clients.
• Commit to the Health Center’s mission, participate in department-wide and health center-wide initiatives, and take initiative to continuously improve performance.
• Participate in community outreach.
• Maintain knowledge of and respect for department chain-of-command.
• Treat all fellow staff, patients, internal/external customers with respect and courtesy.
• Can accept constructive criticism and work well with others.
• Is organized, motivated, committed, and self-directed.
• Willing to work with patients of all ages, compromised health/developmental issues.
• Increases knowledge and skills through self-study and by attending courses and seminars.
• Has dependable job attendance and can be relied on to follow through with assigned tasks.

Other duties and/or other departments/locations as applies.

Qualifications & Skills:

• An On-the-Job Trained (OJT) Dental Assistant in the state of Massachusetts must be trained in the dental office under the supervision of a licensed dentist.…