Ortho Registered Dental Assistant

 Reports to: Clinic Coordinator 

Summary 

The Dental Assistant works under the supervision of the Clinical Coordinator and are responsible for a wide range of tasks in the dental office - ranging from patient care and education to administrative duties to laboratory functions. Note: All employees need to be flexible and available to provide dental assistance and perform front desk duties based on
the patient needs and as directed by clinic management.  

Core Responsibilities 

· Instruments: Sterilize dental instruments and equipment for each patient; Organize and lay out instruments for use; Hand instruments and other materials to dentist during procedures  

· Patients/Interpersonal: Question patients about their medical history and record the information for dentist's reference; Advise patients on effective dental care; Manage patients - help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment 

· Patients/Clinical: Take x-rays of patients' teeth; Take impressions of patients' teeth for casts to fabricate study models or to fabricate a temporary; Make temporary crowns 

· Assisting Dentist/Preparation: Prepare cements, composite, impression materials etc. 

· Assisting Dentist/Patient Care: Use suction and swabs to keep patients' mouths clear and dry during procedures; Apply topical anesthetic to patients' mouths; Place and remove rubber dams, matrices and wedges; Apply cavity lines and bases 

· Administration: Obtaining patients' dental records; Complete Dental Charting 

· Infection Control: Perform dental infection control plan management to conform to CDC, OSHA and ADA standards. Follow clinical guidelines for sterilization, disinfection, instrument cleaning and dental treatment room disinfection 

· Team Support: provide assistance in others areas of the clinic, as requested 

· Community Outreach: As requested, promote JDC by attending neighborhood events or visiting local businesses and distributing flyers and “goodie-bags” to the public 

Advanced Responsibilities 

· Organize and lay out instruments for specialized procedures 

· Prepare cements, amalgam, composite, impression materials etc. 

· Inventory control and management 

· Make temporary crown 

· Apply sealants after completion of certification 

· Monitor nitrous patients after completion of certification 

Competencies for Excellence  

· Concern for Order and Quality: Keeps records, checks quality of work and documentation 

· Teamwork: Work to develop friendly and supporting atmosphere; Pitch in and help others 

· Self Management: Exhibit self-confidence when interfacing with the patient; Function
effectively under pressure; Manage own behavior to prevent or reduce feelings of stress 

· Integrity & Credibility: Able to gain the trust and respect of patients, co-workers and managers; Exhibit professional demeanor 

· Customer Service: Adhere to proper clinical practices; Become a trusted advisor to the patient  

· Adaptability: Adapts to change in direction in order to support changing priorities 

· Diversity: Bilingual language skills; Adapts and integrates into diverse work group and patient population  

Job Requirements 

· Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

· Minimum age of 18 with High School Diploma or equivalent 

· RDA certification highly desired; Required within six months of hire 

· A minimum of 1 year experience in a professional dental clinic preferred 

· Intermediate to advanced computer use and data entry skills 

· Reliable transportation; Ability to work clinic hours: varies by location 

Work Environment and Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. 

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform this role. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

Clinic positions Hours vary by location. Full-time five days a week including Saturday. Saturday is mandatory for all team members.  

Travel 

Occasional travel to assist alternate locations or training, as needed. 

Review and Agreement 

I have had an opportunity to review and ask questions regarding the duties and expectations of the position. My signature below indicates my commitment to provide excellence in all areas of my job responsibilities.