Dental Assistant Job Overview

The Dental Assistant is responsible for supporting the dentist and clinical team in delivering efficient, high-quality patient care while maintaining a safe, organized, and welcoming clinical environment. The Dental Assistant plays an important role in patient flow, treatment preparation, infection control, documentation, and the overall patient experience.

Dental Assistant Qualifications 

• Dental assisting experience preferred.
• Dental Assistant/RDA credentials as required for assigned duties.
• Current certifications required for functions performed, including radiography, infection control, BLS/CPR, or other applicable requirements.
• Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, materials, and procedures.
• Strong chairside assisting skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced dental environment.
• Excellent communication and customer-service skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.

Dental Assistant Responsibilities and Duties

• Assist dentists during examinations and dental procedures.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, materials, and equipment before each patient.
• Break down and disinfect treatment rooms promptly following procedures.
• Follow all infection-control, sterilization, OSHA, and safety protocols.
• Sterilize, package, and properly store instruments.
• Take dental radiographs when permitted based on applicable certification and state requirements.
• Prepare patients for treatment and clearly explain what to expect during their visit.
• Provide appropriate post-operative instructions as directed by the dentist.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Ensure medical histories and required patient forms are completed and reviewed according to office protocol.
• Assist with restorative, crown and bridge, endodontic, oral surgery, implant, and other procedures based on training and permitted duties.
• Anticipate the doctor's needs and maintain efficient chairside workflow.
• Review the daily schedule in advance and ensure rooms, instruments, lab cases, and materials are prepared.
• Support efficient patient flow and communicate delays or scheduling concerns promptly.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and notify management before supplies become critically low.
• Properly handle and track lab cases.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of operatories, sterilization areas, and clinical workspaces.
• Follow HIPAA requirements and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with patients, doctors, managers, and team members.
• Participate in morning huddles, meetings, training, and other required office activities.
• Assist other clinical team members when necessary to maintain smooth office operations.

Performance Expectations

The Dental Assistant is expected to demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality, strong teamwork, urgency, organization, attention to detail, and a patient-first attitude. Team members should be prepared for the day before the first patient arrives and actively contribute to keeping the doctor and patient schedule moving efficiently.

Dental Assistants are also expected to take ownership of their assigned responsibilities rather than waiting to be directed throughout the day.

Dental Assistant Education

• Certification from an accredited Dental Assisting program preferred

Dental Assistant Experience

Experience with general dentistry, restorative dentistry, crowns and bridges, endodontics, oral surgery, implants, and digital dentistry is preferred. Experience assisting with advanced surgical or full-arch implant procedures is a plus.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to sit and stand for extended periods, bend and reach during patient care, use dental instruments and equipment, and lift or move supplies and equipment as reasonably required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Benefits

Dental Views offers Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance, Supplemental Insurance, Vacation time, etc...