Careers

Location: Johns Island, SC 29455

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant supports the dentist in delivering high-quality patient care by assisting chairside with clinical procedures, preparing treatment rooms, maintaining infection control standards, performing sterilization and preparing instruments for procedures, performing any duties within the scope of dental assisting as directed by the Dental Director and ensuring a positive patient experience. The ideal candidate is professional, organized, and committed to providing exceptional service to patients.

Job Duties:

Clinical Assistance

• Prepare treatment rooms and ensure all instruments and materials are available before procedures.
• Assist the dentist during examinations and dental procedures.
• Perform chairside assisting duties using four-handed dentistry techniques.
• Take and process dental radiographs as permitted by state regulations.
• Prepare and maintain patient records and treatment documentation.
• Take dental impressions and assist with fabrication of dental appliances as directed.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control and postoperative instructions.
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records, ensuring all dental codes and notes are entered and are accurate.
• Assist dental director in placing treatment note template to review, complete and sign.
• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Take blood pressure and reviews medical history for each patient.
• Performs all duties listed in the OLMCOS Dental Assistant Duties Checklist and Dental Assistant Procedure Duties and any other duties as deemed in the scope of job duties of a dental assistant by direct supervisor, the Dental Director.
• Assist dental assistant volunteers, dental students, dental volunteers and dentist as pertaining to the scope of dentistry (ie taking x-rays, assisting with charting and notes, assisting with examinations and/or dental cleanings) to aid in the delivery of quality dental care.
• Assist hygiene students, hygienist volunteers and hygienists as pertaining to the scope of dentistry (ie taking x-rays, assisting with charting and notes, assisting with examinations and/or dental cleanings) to aid in the delivery of quality dental care.

Patient Care

• Welcome and escort patients to treatment areas.
• Review medical histories and update patient information.
• Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene, treatment plans, and post-operative instructions, as directed by the Dental Director.
• Monitor patient comfort and address concerns during appointments.

Sterilization & Infection Control

• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and equipment according to established protocols.
• Maintain treatment rooms in compliance with OSHA and CDC guidelines.
• Monitor inventory of clinical supplies and notify management when reordering is needed.
• Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to the treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Help dentists manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply and emergency telephone directory.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.

Administrative Support

• Assist with scheduling and patient flow as needed.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and documentation.
• Support office operations and special projects/community activities as assigned on days/weekends, will be notified in advance.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings and training programs.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Participates in annual HIPPA, OSHA, and Infection Control Training
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care and office operations.
• Supports teamwork among staff and participants in outreach activities with the Wellness Center, when needed.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
• Promotes the organization’s mission, vision, and values, treating all people with dignity and respect.

Education / Certifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of an accredited Dental Assisting program preferred or have two years ofcontinuous chairside work experience as a dental assistant
• Current Dental Assistant certification/licensure as required by state regulation or resume showing at least two years of experience as a dental assistant
• Current CPR/BLS certification is a plus

Qualifications

• Previous dental assisting experience preferred
• Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, procedures, and infection control protocols
• Basic computer proficiency and experience with dental software preferred. Eagle Softexperience is a plus
• Professional and compassionate patient care
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to build rapport with patients
• Excellent organizational skills
• Time management and multitasking abilities
• Problem-solving and attention to detail
• Work within scope of dental assisting duties only
• Provide exceptional customer service by maintaining a professional, cooperative, and respectful attitude toward patients, team members, supervisors, and others, while responding effectively and courteously in stressful or demanding situations.
• Maintain a positive, friendly demeanor with patients, team members and supervisor.

Technical Skills

• Chairside assisting
• Dental radiography (if permitted by state regulations)
• Instrument sterilization and infection control
• Dental charting and documentation
• Dental impression taking
• Preparation of treatment rooms and materials as directed
• Knowledge of restorative, preventive, and oral surgery procedures
• Maintains patients confidentiality and protects confidential information established by HIPAA laws

FLSA Status: Exempt, part-time employee

Physical Demands/Work Environment: 

• Work is performed in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful, professional office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Position requires team members to effectively use a computer at a workstation for long periods of time and to accommodate potentially frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to lift 15 – 25 pounds.

Schedule: 

• Core business hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an hour lunch break from 12pm to 1pm. Flexible schedule may be considered
• Part-time, 2 days per week (Monday & Thursday) from 8am to 4:30pm with one hour for lunch
• Additional hours may be needed during organizational events, which may require an adjusted work schedule.

Salary Range:

$22 to $26/hr for Dental Assistant for 2 days/wk