| Description |
The Dental Assistant plays a key role in supporting the dentist during clinical procedures, providing excellent patient care, maintaining a sterile and organized treatment environment, and ensuring efficient daily operations. 1. Chairside Assistance Prepare treatment rooms for procedures by ensuring cleanliness, sterilization, and readiness of instruments and materials. Assist the dentist chairside during a variety of procedures, including exams, fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, and other treatments. Anticipate the dentist’s needs during procedures and provide instruments and materials efficiently. Ensure patient comfort throughout treatment, explaining procedures and addressing concerns. Take, pour, and trim dental impressions as directed. Or scan patients and send digital copies to labs. Place dental materials under dentist supervision when applicable. 2. Patient Care and Communication Prepare patients for treatment and obtain relevant medical and dental history information. Review post-operative instructions with patients and ensure understanding of aftercare. Provide exceptional patient service and maintain a calm, reassuring chairside manner. Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA standards at all times. 3. Infection Control and Sterilization Follow all OSHA and CDC infection control guidelines. Sterilize instruments and maintain proper sterilization logs. Disinfect treatment rooms before and after each patient. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinical environment. 4. Radiography and Documentation Take and process dental radiographs (X-rays) as directed by the dentist, ensuring diagnostic quality and patient safety. Properly expose, mount, and store radiographs in the patient’s digital record. Accurately chart existing restorations, treatment provided, and planned procedures in the patient’s electronic record. Assist in maintaining accurate and complete clinical documentation. 5. Inventory and Equipment Maintenance Monitor and maintain supply inventory, restocking rooms as needed. Notify the office manager or dentist of low inventory levels and assist with ordering supplies. Maintain dental equipment according to manufacturer guidelines. Report any equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs promptly. 6. Administrative and Team Support Assist with patient check-in/check-out when needed. Help coordinate lab cases, including sending impressions and tracking case status.. Participate in staff meetings, continuing education, and training sessions. Collaborate with hygienists, other assistants, and the dentist to ensure smooth daily operations. |
