Dental Clinic Assistant

Dental assistant

FIGURE 4.3 SAMPLE JOB DESCRIPTION DENTAL ASSISTANT

Dental Assistant

Reports to

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for assisting the dentist in the clinical treatment of patients

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Patient Management

Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time

Set up treatment rooms for procedures

-Escort patients to treatment room

Set patients in treatment rooms

Show care and concern, and help patients feel comfortable Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol

Ensure patients are always attended

Anticipate and assist dentist's needs Perform expanded functions and other tasks as assigned by the dentist

Mix dental materials

Ensure patients' questions are answered thoroughly before they leave

Chart patients and record date, service rendered and any charges

Escort patients from the treatment room

Ensure proper treatment notes are recorded in patient's chart

Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by dentist

Give patient instruction and demonstrate when necessary

Monitor patient flow

Notify Treatment Coordinator if a patient should be called in the evening after a difficult

appointment

Treatment Room Management and Sterilization

-Keep dental units ready, stocked and clean Oversee cleanliness of the treatment room according to sterilization procedures

Disinfect treatment rooms according to OSHA regulations

Sterilize all instruments and handpieces according to OSHA regulations

Keep trays, instruments and treatment room drawers organized

Ensure that office sterilization procedures document is on display Promptly send out and monitor all dental laboratory cases

Implement the preventative maintenance/cleaning schedule for dental equipment

Maintain dental office emergency kits and nitrous and oxygen tanks

Follow laboratory procedures according to office protocol

Records Management

Securely store and handle patient records in compliance with state and federal requirements, including the HIPAA privacy and security regulations

Accurately file patient information

Arrange patient charts and radiographs for next day's appointments Track cases and referrals to and from other doctors

Assist in the administration of the recall system

Inventory Management

Monitor inventory and order dental office supplies as needed

• Ensure that treatment rooms are stocked at all times

Office Participation

Help in other areas of the office when necessary (ie, answering phones, unpacking

supplies, completing insurance forms moving former patient records, etc.)

. Be an active participant in team meetings

Promote team concept by interacting with others in the office

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience

High school diploma or equivalent Graduate accredited dental assisting program or dental assisting experience preferred

⚫Coursework in dental instruments and procedures

Compliance with state dental practice requirements (e.g. x-ray requirements, OSHA training)

Computer skills [list computer skills required and any specific dental software]

Commitment to CE for career development

Interpersonal

Good interpersonal skills to maintain effective rapport with patients, dentists, other staff

members and community

• verbal to communicate with patients and staff