Lead Dental Assistant

New Horizons Healthcare (NHH) is seeking a full-time Lead Dental Assistant.

Position Summary

The Lead Dental Assistant will be responsible for assisting the dentist in all aspects of dental care, including but not limited to taking and developing x-rays, preparing and sterilizing instruments, assisting with dental procedures, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene. The Lead Dental Assistant will also be responsible for managing the dental assistant team, including scheduling, training, and ensuring that all procedures are performed in accordance with established protocols and standards.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, be detail-oriented, and have a passion for providing exceptional patient care.

• Guide dental assistants during the workday to maintain adequate flow and schedule adherence.
• Support Dental Clinical Manager and Dental Director.
• Maintain inventory and submit supply order to Manager in timely fashion.
• Assist with clinical maintenance and quality performance of equipment.
• Recognize possible interruptions to schedule flow and assist in resolution.
• Mentor/coach dental assistants.
• Report all issues to Manager and assist in troubleshooting, as directed.
• Assist in daily opening/closing of clinic as needed.
• Monitor patient arrival, greet, and seat patients.
• Expert in infection control practices in compliance with standard operating procedures.
• Set up and breakdown operatory post treatment.
• Prepare and process instruments for sterilization.
• Take records, impressions, and digital x-rays/intraoral images.
• Provide patient education on appropriate oral hygiene strategies and post-operative instructions for all procedures.
• Record and chart patient information.
• Perform basic troubleshooting related to equipment, software, and hardware.
• Communicate effectively with Patient Access Representatives to ensure continuity of dental care.
• Able to prioritize tasks to ensure schedule is achieved efficiently and maintained.
• Able to understand, assess, and assure patient needs are effectively communicated.
• Assist in a variety of treatment procedures in accordance with Virginia’s allowable and prohibited duties for dental assistants.
• Uphold and support NHH’s mission statement, vision and core principles; and
• Apply ethical principles to safeguard all forms (electronic, written and oral) of confidential information as it relates to patients, their families, clinical staff, and employees.
• Active participation in staff meetings at NHH main clinic and department or agency initiatives and training.
• Maintain systems, internal compliance and records for clinical maintenance and infection control protocols/procedures & policies in accordance with regulations of the CDC, Board of Dentistry, OSHA and manufacturer’s recommendations. This includes sharps and amalgam disposal, AED maintenance and gown and towel services.
• Build/maintain schedules to maximize revenue/efficiency in collaboration with Front Office Manager.
• Create/maintain schedule for assistants, hygienists and doctors in collaboration with Front Office Manager.
• Maintain payroll accuracy including PTO requests, absences, missed punches, etc for assistants.
• Oversee daily performance of and conduct introductory reviews and mid-year and annual reviews for Dental Assistants when in clinic.
• Hold monthly, or as frequently as indicated, meetings with assistants.
• Collaborate with Manager in guiding efficient flow between front office and clinical staff.
• Collaborate with Front Office Manager to ensure proper care coordination for patients, including post operative calls when necessary.
• Help to maintain/improve relations with other internal departments (medical, pharmacy, behavioral health), as well as with community partners.
• Assists with implementing new systems in clinics to improve efficiency and revenue.

• 6 mo. experience in dental assisting with demonstrated competency equivalent to the Dental Assistant-1C position.
• X-ray certified (required).
• A strong, professional communicator who can build and maintain positive working relationships within the dental team.
• A stronger leader.
• Knowledge in Windows environment…