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.