Dental Assistant

Sterling Heights

Position Description Summary:

Coordinates the care of patients by ensuring a smooth flow of service during the patient’s office visit.  Trains other personnel.  Handles elevated patient relations.   Responsible for helping dentist with dental procedures and administrative duties.  Works closely with dentist during dental procedures. Provides patients with the information needed to properly take care of his or her teeth.  

Essential Function(s) of the Position:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the level and/or class of this position.  

1. Ensures patients are professionally and efficiently serviced during their visit from arrival in the office to prompt dental care through efficient check out.
2. Trains other Dental Assistants on the operations of the Practice.
3. Schedules the Dental Assistants according to the office needs.
4. Manages elevated patient relations; ensures patients concerns are met. 
5. Documents patient communication in their charts.
6. Encourages patient referrals.
7. Performs chart review for the next day’s patients.
8. Coordinates patient treatment; Enters recommended treatment into the computerized system or the chart.
9. Sets up treatment rooms for dental and orthodontic patients.
10. Collects and records patient health histories.
11. Performs a number of dental procedures including but not limited to: 
    1. Handing the dentist the tools needed for the dental procedure
    2. Ensuring that a patient’s mouth is kept dry by placing and removing suction hoses
    3. Application of topical anesthetics or medication to gums
    4. Preparation of materials needed to make dental impressions
    5. Placement dental dams
    6. Dental charting
    7. Dental x-rays
    8. Dental photos and scans
    9. Impressions and bite registrations
    10. Removal of surgical sutures
12. Delivers patient personal oral care instructions.
13. Answers patient questions and concerns regarding recommended treatment. 

Essential Function(s) of the Position, continued:

1. Performs a variety of lab procedures including pouring impressions, trimming of models, fabricating of mouth guards, temporary crowns, and custom impression trays; prepares casting models and dies; Checks on lab work and checks on overdue lab cases; 
2. Maintains the cleanliness of the lab including organizing and cleaning the lab sink and developer, and sweeping the floor.
3. Performs dental and orthodontic instrument and holder cleaning, sterilization and  disinfection
4. Prepares and maintains dental and orthodontic instruments, supplies and equipment.
5. Performs treatment room disinfection; empties waste baskets, and cleans treatment chairs.  
6. Stocks the treatment room and office supply closets with the necessary supplies needed including, bibs, towels, cups, and gloves; Ensures Listerine and soap dispensers are refilled.
7. May transcribe the dentist’s notes concerning visits and provided services.  
8. Serves as the intermediary between patients, the dentists, the hygienist, other dental assistants and the front desk staff.  Answers questions and updates the staff about changes in the day’s schedule.
9. Ensures the office, lab and treatment rooms are clean and neat and reflects a professional environment.
10. Orders supplies and equipment; restocks supplies as needed.
11. Makes photocopies and sends faxes. 
12. Attends and contributes to daily huddle and staff meetings. 
13. Encourages and asks for patient referrals.
14. Adheres to office protocol, policies, and procedures.
15. Maintains a safe work environment and operates within OSHA/MIOSHA guidelines.
16. Maintains small equipment and software.
17. Ensures all staff members are performing their assigned positions for the day. 
18. Attends and contributes to daily huddle and staff meetings.
19. Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

High School graduate or equivalent

Certificate, Diploma or Associate Degree in Dental Assisting

Three or more years of experience in dental assisting with Dental Service Advisors

Working knowledge of Dentech software preferred

Ability to properly script key practice scenarios within six months of employment  

Licensing/Certifications:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong organizational abilities

Ability to multi-task

Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures 

Ability to accurately utilize electronic dental record and practice management software

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Ability to maintain attention to detail

An independent worker; ability to work with limited supervision

Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Ability to maintain a cooperative working relationship with other staff members

Above average customer service skills; ability to tactfully handle difficult customer service situations; ability to deal courteously and effectively with a variety of people

Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Vehicles Used:

General office and dental equipment; computers

Microsoft Office:  Word, Excel and Dentech Scheduling software  

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be me by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, reach with hands and arms; stand; talk and hear; walk; sit, stoop, and lift or move up to ten (10) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral visions, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents, analyze and solve problems, use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines and constant interruptions; interact with staff and other organizations; and occasionally deal with dissatisfied or quarrelsome individuals.  

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Employees work under typical office conditions where the noise level is moderately quiet.  The employee may be occasionally exposed to dust or to dusty environments (to the extent of that which may be found on stored files)  

Reporting Relationships:

This position reports directly to Office Manager.  In the Office Manager’s absence, the position reports to the dentist on duty.  

Supervisory Responsibility:

None