Dental Assistant

Basic Function:

The primary function of the Dental Assistant is to support dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments/materials; passing instruments/materials and assisting with Doctor s instructions related to patient care goals of Hudec Dental Associates at all locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following is a list of responsibilities associated with the Dental Assistant but is not exhaustive nor a complete, comprehensive list of the duties required and expected of the Dental Assistant; additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Clinical/Patient Care

• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols
• Follow properly issued instructions/directions regarding patient flow and manage the flow of patients to schedule/maximize the doctor s time if applicable.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, introducing one s self, comforting, seating, and draping patient. This includes ensuring patients are greeted with a handshake and shown appreciation during entire visit.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions, requests.
• Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials in preparation for the doctor.
• Provides diagnostic information by taking and developing radiographic images; using intra-oral cameras for 100% of new patients; pouring model casts.
• Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions; prints prescribed prescriptions
• Communicates to patients about current office promotions and programs; i.e. Share a Smile, InDent, Care Credit
• Documents and charges out dental care services by charting in patients records in dental software
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Prepare laboratory prescriptions in LabNet software.

Safety Focus/Equipment Maintenance/Supplies

• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols including safe and clean working environments.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques. Informs Clinical Coordinator of dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
• Informs Clinical Coordinator or Manager of dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; verifying receipt of supplies
• Performs work in a safe manner at all times. Avoids shortcuts that increase health and safety risks to self or others

Communication/Teamwork/Development

• Communicates changes to co-workers and dentist(s) and assists others when possible
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications
• Complies with policies and procedures of Hudec Dental Associates; i.e. timekeeping, dress code, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.