Dental Therapist

Under general, indirect or direct supervision where applicable of a Dentist in a practice setting, the Dental Therapist provides preventative, restorative and other educational, clinical and therapeutic patient services as part of the dental care team. Provides care as well as assesses the patient’s risk of dental disease. Utilizes established dental hygiene protocols and procedures. Follows and supports the CARE model for patient experience. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

Supports the overall mission of DentaQuest Care Group. 
• Assesses dental conditions and risk, uses patient screening procedures, to include medical history review, dental charting, and Perio charting; takes patient vital signs as required. 
• Follow all state dental practice acts to deliver direct care to patients as assigned and using established dental hygienist procedures; performs routine treatment procedures, such as cleaning, polishing, x-rays, application of sealants, fluorides and varnishes, and related procedures. 
• Perform periodontal maintenance and other periodontal procedures as indicated. 
• Develops and implements individualized dental care plans for patients; performs patient education and risk protocols, discharge planning, and patient/family teaching under the direction of a dentist. 
• Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of special tests, procedures, and complex treatments. 
• Makes impressions of patients’ teeth as needed. 
• Documents dental history of chief complaint; records and reports pertinent observations and patient reactions to dental team, as appropriate; documents lab procedures and ensures follow up on result. 
• Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse which may occur during treatment. 
• Performs patient triage and initiates patient care as appropriate for all patients. 
• Assists in preparation of patient care areas, and in the patient admission, transfer, and discharge process, as required; prepares reports and assists as required with patient reception, telephone calls, and other office duties. 
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 
• Assumes responsibility for the upkeep of the dental operatory and equipment; promptly notifying practice manager of any problems which may affect their ability to deliver safe and timely dental care. 
• Performs routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment in assigned operatories and for the assigned equipment. Regularly and thoroughly performs maintenance of assigned equipment consistent with the upkeep of the other treatment rooms. 
• Ensures use of downtime to include cleaning and stocking operatories as well as helping the rest of clinical team as needed. 
• Attends and participates in team meetings and required training programs. 
• Manages the schedule in collaboration with the Practice Manager. 
• All other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Current licensure as a Dental Therapist in state of practice. 
• Current CPR certification. 
• Obtain a collaborative agreement to perform dental therapy under the supervision of a dentist that outlines the supervision logistics and requirements for the dental therapist’s practice. 
• Knowledge of practice management software a plus.