Healthworks of Northern VA
Dental Assistant
Definition
This is a highly visible position having a great deal of customer/staff contact and interaction. Position responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary dental care services to patients of the Center. Dental Assistant is responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. Assists in assuring chair-side documentation is complete i.e., consent forms, exam charts. Utilizes knowledge of medical/dental terminology to assist in answering patient’s questions and to communicate with patients as needed Provides interpretation services as needed. Experience with Electronic Health Record preferred. This is a customer service position and critical in maintaining a positive, supportive relationship with the team, patients, and the larger community.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions, and giving directions to patients as authorized by the Dentist or Dental Hygienist.
- Serves as chair-side assistant to Dentist or Dental Hygienist.
- Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the Dentist’s or Dental Hygienist’s directions.
- Exposes dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directive and protocol.
- Insures and performs the sterility and disinfection of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental Department directives and protocols.
- Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directives, center policy as well as state and federal regulation(s).
- Performs all functions in full compliance with Center’s and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
- Charts existing restorations or conditions.
- Receives and prepares patients for treatment, including seating, positioning chair, and placing napkins/bibs.
- Completes laboratory authorization forms.
- Transfers dental instruments.
- Selects and manipulates gypsums and waxes.
- Mixes dental materials.
- Demonstrates working understanding of OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
- Takes and records vital signs.
- Cleans and polishes removable appliances and prostheses.
- Prepares procedural trays/armamentaria set-ups.
- Maintains field of operation during dental procedures using retraction, suction, irrigation, drying, placing and removing cotton rolls, etc.
- Applies topical anesthetic to the injection site.
- Demonstrates understanding of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
- Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
- Interprets for patient appointments as needed.
- Understands and uses the dental supply order and requestion system.
- Efficiently work with all members of the Dental Department team to ensure efficient patient flow according to the schedule demands.
- Assist in “traffic control” of patients to ensure proper flow in the clinic.
- Follows maintenance schedule for the filters, autoclave, compressor, autoclave monitoring system, etc. on a weekly basis and schedules coverage accordingly.
- Identifies, reports, and follows up as necessary on any maintenance issues in the office including dental equipment and hand pieces.
- Assist to update SDS sheets.
- Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the Dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directives and protocols.
- Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.
- Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures related to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
- Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
- Assists Dental Director(s) and coworkers when called upon. Cross training to assist in other areas of the clinic will also be necessary.
Responsible for full compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and Center rules, regulations, protocols, policies and procedures including but not limited to, the participation of a Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to, personnel policies, workplace safety, public health and confidentiality.