Registered Dental Assistant

Job purpose Dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team. Duties and responsibilities Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays) Preparing examination and surgical rooms by sterilizing instruments and moving equipment into place Preventing the spread of infection and disease by maintaining a surgically clean work environment Helping patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment Providing patients with instructions for oral care following treatment Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling) Taking impressions of patient's teeth for study casts (models of teeth) Create, send, and track lab cases Monitor, order, and maintain budget for dental supplies Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer Assisting in updating and maintaining client dental records/charts Maintaining equipment and coordinating any necessary repairs Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse as needed Providing support to dentists and other staff as needed Maintaining OSHA and HIPPA compliance High school diploma or equivalent required Basic Life Support Certification required State Dental Assistant license required Expanded functions required Radiation Expanded functions preferred Coronal Polishing / Topical Fluoride Sealants Nitrous Oxide Parenteral / Pediatric Anesthesia Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Working conditions Dental practices run at a fast pace and dental assistants will be required to keep up with the flow of doctors and patients. Physical requirements Dental Assistants will be required to: Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Repeat the same movements. Bend or twist their body. Sit for long periods. Stand for long periods. Lifting up to 50 pounds Reports to: ADO / Office Manager Direct reports: None.