Dental Assistant

Company: First Choice Dental
Location: Stoughton
Posted on: May 7, 2025

Job Description:

Description:Availability at multiple locationsJOB PURPOSE:To enhance the daily operations of the clinic by providing excellent service and communication to our patients. A dental assistant (DAS) gives the overall impression of the company as typically patients spend most of their time with DAS's; therefore it is vitally important to set the tone with a positive attitude.ESSENTIAL JOB RESULTS:1. CHAIRSIDE ASSISTING:Prepare, sterilize, disinfect, and maintain dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.Collect and record patient health histories.Maintain patient management during dental procedures to make sure the patient is comfortable (i.e. proper suction, using tools in a gentle manner).Properly transfer instruments to the doctor and/or second DAS.Perform dental procedure isolation techniques. Keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices.Preparation of dental materials (cements, amalgam, composite, impression materials, etc.).Thorough charting of treatment information in the patients' dental notes from the doctor.Assist doctor in management of medical and dental emergencies.Clean and polish removable instruments.Fabricate temporary restorations and custom impressions from preliminary impressions.Instruct patients on postoperative instructions and general oral health care.Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (i.e. tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling, etc.).Proficient with dental software (Dentrix) for charting, treatment planning, clinical notes, etc.2. EXPANDED FUNCTIONS:Expose diagnostic x-rays and take intra-oral camera pictures (as needed).Take impressions.Use and maintain diagnodent, water laser, wand, intra-oral camera, etc.Adapt temporary crowns for both posterior and anterior.Place topical medications.Remove excess cement from fabricated restorations and orthodontic bands.Insert and adjust removable mouth appliances (i.e. denture, partial, flipper, bite splint, etc.).3. DENTAL INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES:Manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.Perform instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, and re-circulation.Disinfect dental operatory and sterilization.4. DENTAL LABORATORY PROCEDURES:Pour impressions to make models and trim models.Fabricate mouth guards, temporary crowns, whitening trays, custom impression trays, etc.Prepare casting models and dies.5. BUSINESS OFFICE PROCEDURES:Schedule and confirm patient appointments.Pull patient charts and file paperwork.Answer the phone and take messages.Follow all forms of HIPPA and patient privacy for confidentiality.Greet patients and display a proper hand-off to the front office when checking a patient out.Make unscheduled treatment calls.6. PATIENT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION:Educate patients on personal oral care instructions (post-op, temporary crowns, removable appliances, extractions, etc.).Take part in community dental health presentations.Help to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.7. DENTAL ASSISTING - SPECIALTY AREAS:Assist with endodontic procedures and oversee the care of the endo equipment (microscope, hand pieces, files, etc.).Assist with conscious sedation and oversee the patient's blood pressure and pulse oximeter readings.Assist with implant procedures.Assist with orthodontic procedures.Assist with TMJ procedures.Assist with perio procedures.Assist with oral surgery procedures.8. SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES:Exemplify excellent patient service by answering questions in a thorough manner and following up with the patient (when need be).Foster a positive attitude at work when interacting with staff and patients and be a team player.Practice First Choice Dental's philosophy of 3-step communication.Perform work in an efficient manner and be timely with patient care.Provide a proper handoff to the doctor.Conduct unscheduled treatment calls and talk to patients about scheduling their next appointment.Be willing to help out at other sites (on day off or when asked).Help with keeping the doctor and schedule running on time.Respect patient privacy by maintaining a professional tone and by not discussing personal matters with other staff in front of a patient. The focus and conversation should always be centered around the patient. Keep level of voice controlled in order to not disturb other patients.Initiate ideas for ways the site can improve or become more efficient.Maintain effective organizational skills and a high attention to detail.Take the time to carefully explain information to patients in a non-technical manner.Requirements:JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB EVALUATIONDOCUMENTATIONThe requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.KNOWLEDGEEDUCATION:High School Diploma requiredDental Assisting Diploma/Certificate preferredEXPERIENCE:Requires a minimum of two years of recent dental assisting experienceHigh proficiency with computers and electronic communication preferredDentrix software preferredSKILLS AND ABILITIES:Strong interpersonal skills (making the patient feel welcome)Strong organizational and teamwork skillsAbility to prioritize multiple requests efficientlyStrong attention to detail and accuracyEffective written and verbal communication skillsLICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:CPR CertificationOSHA CertificationDECISION MAKINGPrioritize dutiesStrong willingness to respond to patient questions/requestsBUSINESS RELATIONSHIPSDemonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with doctors, patients, vendors, visitors, team members and the broader heath care communityDemonstrates a commitment to service, organizational values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all timeCONFIDENTIAL INFORMATIONAll employee records/conversations/benefit electionsBusiness legal mattersHOURLY WAGEBased on experienceHOURS/WEEKApproximately 36 - 40 hours/weekPHYSICAL DEMANDSBalancingCrouchingX HearingSeeingX SittingX CarryingX FeelingKneelingX CloseX StandingClimbingFingeringX LiftingFarStoopingCrawlingX GraspingPullingX ColorX TalkingDepthX WalkingEXPOSURESAirborne ParticlesExplosivesMuscular StrainTemperatureCausticsFumesNoiseToxicantsChemicalsHigh PlacesOdorsVibrationElectrical CurrentMoving PartsPhysical AbuseX Vision StrainWeatherPI9df2ef46fb32-25660-37572150

Keywords: First Choice Dental, Rockford , Dental Assistant, Healthcare , Stoughton, Illinois