Dental Assistant - Pediatrics

Position Summary

The job of a pediatric dental assistant is to ensure that each patient consistently receives outstanding, individualized service at each treatment appointment.

• Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of each clinical day engaged and ready to participate in team morning meeting
• Welcome patients to the dental office with a smile and positive energy
• Prepare patients for treatments or checkups ensuring their comfort
• Ensure that patients have an excellent experience by providing care in a patient-friendly environment. This includes bringing patients back on time for their scheduled appointment and greeting and acknowledging each patient by name at the treatment appointment
• The goal of the assistant is to, over time, get to know the patients and interact with families on an individual level (i.e. team member remembers things about each patient)
• Serve as chairside clinical assistant, demonstrating proficiency in all areas of pediatric dental assisting including, but not limited to: photographs, x-rays, assist the dentist through 4-handed dentistry, select and set up instruments, equipment and material needed, any other duties or responsibilities as assigned by the doctor
• Demonstrate proficiency in dental language and terminology such that clinical assistant can type chart notes using the terms and abbreviations used by the practice
• Demonstrate proficiency in practice management software such that assistant can schedule appointments and cover telephones to help the administrative team when necessary
• Maintain accurate patient records and assist with payment procedures
• Efficiently run clinical chair to see 12-15+ patients per day in a timely manner
• Provide instructions to patients/parents throughout dental treatment
• Sterilize instruments according to regulations via cold sterile, dry-heat, and autoclave methods and undertake lab tasks as instructed
• Work with other team members, both clinical and administrative, to help the day run smoothly
• Provide oral hygiene and post-operative care instructions
• Keep the dental room clean and well-stocked

• Training Requirements (licenses, programs, or certificates)
• Dental x-ray certification
• Proven experience as dental assistant
• Knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization methods
• Understanding of health & safety regulations
• Ability to perform regulated non-surgical tasks like coronal polishing is a plus
• Good computer skills
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Attention to detail
• Well-organized and reliable
• High school diploma; graduating from dental assistant school is preferred