Certified Dental Assistant - PEDIATRICS

Overview: Responds to the patient’s clinical needs in a manner consistent with the caring philosophy of Chestnut Dental Associates. All responsibilities are to be performed with accuracy, efficiency, and a team-oriented emphasis.

Reports to: Clinical Supervisor

Position Summary: 

PEDIATRICS - MUST BE FORMALLY TRAINED!

 Performs a variety of dental assisting duties to promote quality dental care for our patients in a stress free, safe environment. Assists the doctor, provides effective oral hygiene instruction, communicates with patients and parents as appropriate, maintains equipment and inventory, and follows universal precautions, OSHA and HIPAA requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Physical Requirements: 

Must be in good physical condition and able to withstand the stress and demands of an active position. Must be able to withstand many hours of standing, walking, stooping, bending, and sitting. Manual dexterity, good eye‑hand coordination, and adequate vision needed in daily work. 

Job Specifications:

• DANB certified
• High school graduate 
• Dental experience - 1‑3 years preferred 
• CPR and first aid certification
• X‑ray certification

Competencies:

• Demonstrate exceptional human relations skill
• Work well with children (if appropriate)
• Able to handle conflict and get along with people 
• Able to maintain outgoing, friendly attitude with patients and staff 
• Work effectively under pressure
• Work efficiently and effectively with interruptions 
• Manage multiple priorities
• Speak, understand, and write fluent English
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of dentistry 
• Demonstrate manual dexterity skills
• Promote practice by following marketing guidelines

Responsibilities:

• Set up sterilization room at start of day and close down at end of day (autoclave, ultrasonic, etc.)
• Review patient charts for the day
• Check that units are ready, stocked, and clean at the beginning of each appointment.
• Greet and escort patient to operatory, seat patient and have proper setup for procedure to be performed. Demonstrate care and concern for patients at all times. Try to remain in operatory with patient.
• Review health history form with patient and update as needed.
• Anticipate and assist doctors' needs at all times.
• Perform clinical procedures, including taking extra oral and intra oral x-rays
• Provide patient education, instruction and demonstration as needed. Make sure the patient/parent receives and understands any post-operative instructions.
•  Perform coronal polishes for periodic and new exam patients. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Pour impressions, separate models from impression trays, trim models; fabricate appliances
• Clear units of used instruments, and properly prepare for sterilization process. 
• Assist in use and maintenance of equipment, i.e. autoclave, statum, ultrasonic, suction, pan/ceph x‑ray unit, O2 and N20 units, handpieces, model trimmer
• Follow OSHA guidelines
• Chart all patients and record date, treatment performed and appropriate charges. 
• At end of each visit dismiss patient, make sure chart is complete indicating procedure completed that day and treatment proposed for next visit. 
• Prepare route slip for check-out.
• Escort patient to check-out area and give scheduling information to front desk personnel.
• Inventory supplies and maintain ordering system.
• Participate fully in ongoing staff development through staff meetings, continuing education courses, evaluations, and constructive problem.
• Adhere to office policies regarding code of conduct, attendance, appearance, administrative requests, confidentiality, etc.
• Be flexible in willingness to adapt schedule to practice needs.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.