Purpose:
The Dental Assistant provides assistance to a licensed oral surgeon/dentist under his/her direction and provides general clerical and receptionist functions for the dental clinic under the supervision of the Clinic Manager.

Responsibilities:

Demonstrates understanding of age-specific needs of the dental client population. Demonstrates appropriate precautions for blood/body fluid exposure.Performs care/services with respect for the patient’s dignity, privacy, individuality, and rights. Performs sterilization of dental equipment. Organizes operatories, stocks supplies, checks for integrity of package, sterility, and expiration dates with the exception of medications.Maintains operatory disinfection according to regulatory requirements.Provides a safe and secure environment for the patient. Is accountable and adaptable to all Clinic safety procedures, continuing education requirements, operational procedures, corporate compliance requirements, disaster plans, and regulatory requirements. Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of the use of dental equipment. Works cooperatively with ancillary services and outside agencies. Bills Medical Assistance and all third-party payors in a timely fashion and keeps up to date with provider requirements for the same. Communicates and documents concise, appropriate, and accurate information to the healthcare team. Responds appropriately to emergencies (i.e. cardiac arrest, fire drills, etc.) Pulls patient charts and assures that all paperwork and reports are included for the dentists. Responsible for filing Clinic documents efficiently and accurately. Properly registers new patients and obtains consent forms and insurance information; prepares new patient charts and enters patient information into the computer system. Schedules patient appointments. Types of referral letters. Assists dentists and oral surgeons under his/her direct supervision. Performs radiographs, as ordered, including exposure and development under the direct supervision of an oral surgeon/dentist.