Dental Assistant

Position Summary:

The Dental Assistant assists with supporting the dental office's day-to-day functions and Providers' clinical treatment. Helps the dentist examine and treat patients and assists with various chair-side, clinical, and clerical support functions. Assists with preparing operatory and patients for dental procedures and monitors patient comfort. Reviews Provider's schedule to ensure operational readiness for scheduled visits/procedures.

Position-Specific Competencies/Essential Functions/Duties & Responsibilities:

* Excellent customer service: Greets all patients and team members with a cheerful outlook and demeanor. Address the patient's needs to ensure they have a superior experience. Displays empathy, actively listens, and communicates clearly and effectively.

* Operational readiness: Ensures operatories and dental equipment are working correctly and supplies for all scheduled procedures are available. Review the electronic patient record 48-72 hours before the patient's appointment to ensure that the office is prepared for the patient's appointment.

* Collaboration: Collaborates with the dentist and other staff to coordinate quality, compassionate, and customer-friendly dental care. Inform scheduled patients of any delays due to emergencies, schedule backups, etc.

* Education/Communication: This position assists with ensuring that all patients are guided through the treatment process before treatment begins. It also educates in oral hygiene instruction and provides postoperative instructions. The position assists with establishing the reason for the visit and instructs the patient in preparation for the dentist's examination.

* Contribution: I assist with various prosthetic and restorative procedures, including impressions, evacuations, retraction, cementation, and homeostasis. I also mix multiple types of materials, dispense, set up, and assist with nitrous oxide and electro surgery. I assist patients needing help, such as the handicapped, pediatric, elderly, etc. I work with the Provider to optimize patient flow and efficiency.

* Compliance: Assists with monitoring proper infection control techniques, performs daily/weekly and monthly infection control procedures, and logs findings.

* Teamwork: Assists co-workers as needed and when requested at all MHSI locations.

* Training/Continuing Education: Completes expanded duties skill checklist within four months of start date.

* Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

* Education: High school graduate or equivalent with additional education and completion of an approved dental assistant course.

* Experience: Three to five years of experience as a dental assistant in a dental office setting. Background experience in insurance regulations, dental procedure/surgery scheduling, and dental terminology and triaging is helpful.

* Expertise: Knowledge of dental terminology. Basic computer skills. Excellent people skills, empathy, and tact when dealing with insurance companies, patients, and other healthcare facilities. Must be willing and able to assume the responsibilities delegated by the dental manager to provide efficient and effective care coordination. Must be willing to adapt to changing situations and circumstances. Requires effective communication, organization, and multitasking skills.

* Language: Comprehend and use primary written or spoken language to communicate information and ideals.

* Hours of Work: May vary based on Organizational need.

* Travel: May vary based on Organizational need.