Experience: Dental Assistant

Lead Dental Assistant We are looking for an experienced, dependable, and team-oriented Lead Dental Assistant to join our growing dental practice. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical assisting skills, excellent organizational skills, and be comfortable taking initiative. This person understands the flow of a dental office, can anticipate the needs of the doctor and patients, and is willing to support the assisting team throughout the day. Primary Responsibilities This position includes a combination of chairside assisting, patient care, sterilization, treatment room management, clinical team coordination, supply oversight, and daily operational support. The Lead Dental Assistant is expected to help ensure the clinical schedule runs smoothly by reviewing the daily schedule, preparing for procedures in advance, supporting the dental assisting team, and helping maintain an organized and efficient back office. Specific Duties Clinical Patient Care Perform clinical and expanded functions as permitted by the state dental practice act and as directed by the dentist. Prepare necessary instruments, materials, and equipment prior to each procedure. Show care, compassion, and professionalism to help patients feel comfortable. Clearly explain post-operative instructions and general treatment information to patients as directed by the doctor. Transition patients from chairside to the front desk for a smooth checkout process. Daily Schedule and Clinical Flow Management Review the daily schedule in advance to identify procedure needs, special patient considerations, lab cases, supply needs, and timing concerns. Help manage patient flow throughout the day and communicate with doctors, hygienists, assistants, and the front office as needed. Anticipate schedule changes, same-day treatment needs, emergencies, and delays. Help prioritize tasks for the assisting team to keep the clinical day running efficiently. Coordinate with the front office regarding patient readiness, checkout needs, treatment changes, and schedule updates. Support the dental assisting team by helping delegate tasks such as room setup, sterilization, stocking, lab cases, and procedure preparation. Step in where needed to assist with clinical coverage, room turnover, sterilization, or patient care. Communicate concerns, supply issues, staffing needs, or workflow challenges to management or the doctor. Treatment Room Management, Sterilization, and Daily Operations Open and close the clinical areas according to office protocol. Process dental instruments and patient care items safely and efficiently through sterilization according to OSHA and office guidelines. Maintain sterilization equipment according to manufacturer recommendations and office protocols. Oversee the cleanliness and organization of treatment rooms, sterilization, and clinical areas. Follow laboratory procedures according to office protocol. Supply and Inventory Management Monitor dental supplies, materials, and clinical inventory on an ongoing basis to prevent interruptions to patient care or the clinical schedule and to control waste by using supplies appropriately. Ensure treatment rooms, trays, drawers, and sterilization areas are properly stocked. Help unpack, organize, and rotate supplies as needed. Monitor expiration dates and maintain organized supply areas. Records Management Ensure accurate treatment notes are entered into the patient chart for services rendered, procedures completed, and any applicable charges. Document treatment referrals and patient communications as required. Securely handle and store patient records in compliance with HIPAA and state/federal requirements. Office Participation Participate in required compliance training, including OSHA, HIPAA, and other state dental practice requirements. Skills and Qualifications Strong chairside assisting skills. Ability to review and understand the daily dental schedule. Ability to prioritize tasks and support the assisting team throughout the day. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Excellent verbal communication with patients, doctors, and team members. Ability to stay calm and professional in a fast-paced environment. Solution-oriented attitude and creative problem-solving skills. Adaptability when schedules change, emergencies arise, or unexpected delays occur. Promote a team-centered culture by communicating respectfully and supporting coworkers. Ability to work independently while contributing positively to the team. Dependable, accountable, and committed to following through on assigned responsibilities.

Pay:

$30.00 - $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off

Work Location:

In person