Dental Assistant; Green Bank

Responsibilities and Essential Duties:
• Prepare patient, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist Dentist during dental procedures.
• Carry out Dentist's orders accurately, directly, and indirectly.
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the dental care administered relative to the patient/ significant other identified problem/needs.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by the Dentist.
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
• Assist Dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
• Perform delegated independent dental assisting functions using established procedures, policies, guidelines, and standards.
• Document pertinent observation and intervention on appropriate record.
• Maintain and coordinate communication among patient/significant other, staff, and Dentist as evidenced within medical record, patient, and health care team feedback.
• Effectively communicate patients changing needs and plan of care among staff members.
• Report patient needs/problems and observations regarding patient's condition to the charge nurse/physician.

Other Duties:
• Perform selected tasks related to patient care and the patient's environment in a safe manner.
• Contribute to the development of the patient/significant other plans of care based on the identified patient problems/needs.
• Assist in assuring that effective communication exists with patient/significant other as reflected in the plan of care.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the care team in coordination of the patient's care as evidenced by other department feedback.
• Use available written materials specific to patient condition or disease.
• Utilize appropriate teaching methods such as one-on-one and group instruction, demonstration, or discussion.
• Document health teaching, including patient/significant other response to and their understanding of health teaching.
• Participate in staff development programs and staff meetings.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and is responsible for information discussed.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Patient Satisfaction:
• Assist patients, family members, or other clients with concern and empathy; respect their confidentiality and privacy; and communicate with them courteously and respectfully.
• Identify yourself in a pleasant and positive manner.

Teamwork:
• Assist in the orientation/training of new Team Members.
• Consistently work in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow Team Members.
• Assist other Team Members in the performance of their assignments, as needed.
• Seek out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked.
• Consider the impact of your actions on Team Members throughout the Organization.
• Recognize the need for variations in staffing and volunteer to fill open shifts when possible.
• Take direction and initiate actions (cross/additional training) that will allow the assumption of cross-functional duties to ensure seamless patient care.
• Demonstrate flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary within the System.

Problem Solving:
• Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.
• Investigate and follow through on unusual orders or requests for service or information.
• Follow proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents so follow-up and/or prevention can occur.
• Consistently evaluate work and determine if further steps are needed to meet patient expectations.
• Take the initiative to do or redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is not yours.
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