Registered Dental Assist

Position Summary

The Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), reporting to the Dental Clinic Supervisor, is essential in maintaining our four‑handed dentistry procedures. In addition, the assistant will enable the dentist to make more efficient use of their time by carrying out specific tasks.

• Coronal polish, temporary crowns, and sealants.
• Seats and drapes patients.
• Removes glasses and any prosthetic appliances the patient may have.
• Takes blood pressure and records it on chart.
• Explains plaque control to all new patients or those returning after long absences.
• Assists in ensuring patient comfort and alleviates patient fears.
• Prepares operatory for patient reception and ensures it is as aseptic as possible for patient welfare.
• Positions dental chair for proper patient reception and seating.
• Obtains materials and other necessary diagnostic and treatment items for planned procedures.
• Has proper pre‑set trays ready for anticipated procedures and keeps work area organized for that procedure.
• Autoclaves all instruments for the following day.
• Prepares anesthesia for dentist.
• Retracts oral tissues to increase visual access into the oral cavity.
• Removes excess moisture from the mouth by using hi‑vac systems and/or air.
• Properly transfers instruments to dentist.
• Prepares and delivers any required restorative materials.
• Removes all instruments and prepares them for sterilization.
• Verifies that correct dental procedures have been completed and signed by the dentist.
• Fills in the day sheet with the appropriate procedure.
• Complies with HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements.
• After dental treatment, the dentist or assistant escorts the patient to the receptionist with a completed dental record in the chart. They inform the receptionist whether the patient will need another appointment or has completed treatment, and if another appointment is needed, provide the procedure and its length of time required.
• Keeps uninvolved people out of the operatories at all times.
• Keeps a close watch on supplies and enters necessary items on the order board.
  
  Assists the front desk staff and treatment coordinator with responding to referrals, patient follow‑up calls, answering phones, scheduling patients upon check‑in and check‑out, and other duties as needed.
• Performs all opening, closing, and maintenance procedures as described in sterilization and maintenance policies.
• Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
• Pours impressions with the proper stone, boxes them for transport to the dental laboratory, and brings them out to the receptionist.
• Trims orthodontic models.
• Mounts x‑rays properly and ensures lab case forms are filled out and signed by the correct provider.
• Works with multiple providers, as needed.
• Complies with all state and federal laws and regulations that pertain to the position, including HIPAA, sexual harassment, scope of practice, OSHA, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks/multitask in a fast‑moving environment.
• Competency in communicating across the organization and to patients daily.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service to patients.

• Planning and Organizing
• Communication and Relationships
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Safety
• Patient Preparation
• Operatory and Materials Preparation
• Patient Charting
• Provider Assistance
• Safety and PPE