Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant is responsible for preparing and organizing tools needed by dentists to work on a patient, including exceptional patient care, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling to support daily operations.

Dental Assistant - Job Description

Purpose:

The Dental Assistant is responsible for preparing and organizing tools needed by dentists to work on a patient, including exceptional patient care, recordkeeping, and appointment scheduling to support daily operations.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Preparing Patients

Greeting patients, ensuring they are comfortable, preparing them for procedures and monitoring patients during treatments.

• Assisting the Dentist during the Procedure

Providing instruments and materials to the dentist and assisting with procedures such as; fillings, crowns, extractions, dentures, digital impressions and implants.

• Preparing Treatment Rooms

Dental assistants are responsible for setting up the treatment area, sterilizing instruments and ensuring that all necessary materials and equipment are available.

• Taking X-Rays

Dental assistants must be able to take and develop high quality dental x-rays.

• Educating Patients on Oral Hygiene

Instructing patients in proper oral hygiene, providing pre and post-operative instructions and answer any questions they may have.

• Sterilizing and Maintaining Dental Instruments

Dental assistants are responsible for sterilizing and maintaining dental instruments to ensure that they are safe for patient use.

• Managing Patient Records

This includes documenting treatments and updating patient care.

• Scheduling Appointments

Dental assistants may be responsible for scheduling patient appointments, follow up treatments and ensuring that the dental practice runs smoothly.

• Performing Administrative Duties

This may include answering the phones, managing inventory and ordering supplies.

Qualifications / Experience:

• This position requires a person who must be able to work under stress and deal with the public effectively in a professional manner
• A minimum of a Diploma or equivalent would be an asset
• Proficient technology usage skills
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and be flexible in a fast paced and growing organization
• Result driven, persistent – able to self-direct and work independently showing initiative, while seeking guidance when appropriate
• Ability to work with a team
• Comfortable multitasking and prioritizing tasks without guidance
• Time management expertise to ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner throughout the day
• Organizational skills to keep an accurate record of documentation
• Honest and ethical team player
• Sense of urgency with the ability to multitask under pressure
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Computer knowledge of Dental Software is required
• Strong attendance history of punctuality
• Strong conflict de-escalation skills in order to deal with upset patients
• Interpersonal skills to create a pleasant experience for all patients, such as being personable and attentive.