The Dental Assistant plays a vital role in supporting dentists by preparing treatment rooms, assisting during procedures, and maintaining a clean, organized clinical environment. This position is essential to deliver high-quality patient care, supporting efficient clinical workflows, and ensuring compliance with safety and infection control standards.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for dental treatment, ensuring comfort and readiness for procedures.
- Assist the dentist chairside during examinations and dental procedures.
- Maintain infection control standards by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up operatories, and preparing materials.
- Take and process dental X-rays as prescribed, following safety protocols and certification requirements.
- Collect and record patient medical and dental histories, vital signs, and treatment information in patient records.
- Educate patients on oral hygiene, oral health care, and plaque control as directed by the dentist.
- Provide post-operative instructions and patient care guidance as instructed.
- Assist with managing medical and dental emergencies when necessary.
- Form preliminary impressions for study models and assist with fabricating temporary restorations, when permitted by state regulations.
- Protect, maintain, and monitor dental equipment and tools to ensure proper functionality.
- Order dental supplies and assist with inventory management.
- Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and all required training and safety standards.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support daily operations and evolving practice needs.
- Team members are expected to uphold the culture outlined in the SDB Handbook, with a focus on our core values and any additional responsibilities as defined
Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum of one year of dental assisting experience preferred.
- Active RDA certification or license (requirements vary by state)
- Strong understanding of dental terminology and clinical procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a patient centered approach.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
- Ability to work effectively with patients and as part of a collaborative dental team.
- Reliable and punctual, with flexibility to support team needs as required.