Dental Assistant Job Description

　　Dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team. Dental assistants have strong communication skills and enjoy working with their hands.

　　The duties of a dental assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. The dental assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

　　Assist with dental and medical emergencies according to OSHA and the office procedures.

　　Maintain CPR certification.

　　Assist chair side in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, restorative, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery.

　　Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.

　　Educate patients and families on caries risk management and reduction protocols.

　　Communicate with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies).

　　Make impressions.

　　Explain consents in detail, answer patient questions and obtain patient signatures.

　　Clean and polish appliances.

　　Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients at each appointment.

　　Record treatment information in patient records.

　　Expose diagnostic x-rays.

　　Actively provide hand instruments and materials to the dentist, as needed, during exams and procedures in order to help maintain patient comfort and dentists efficiency.

　　Using and maintain hazard control protocols as established by OSHA and office standards

　　Must always represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner.

　　Must maintain regular consistent and punctual attendance in accordance with assigned schedule and time off policies.

　　Must be able to comfortably and efficiently handle multiple deadlines and task assignments.

　　Must be able to work both independently and