Dental Assistant Supervisor

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Lead Dental Assistant will provide oversight for the dental assistant team while also participating in the treatment of patients (as needed) and assisting in the development of adult and children's dental services. The Lead Dental Assistant will oversee and monitor the workflow of the dental assistants, management of inventory and supplies, and equipment maintenance. The duties will be consistent with the scope for dental assistants as specified in the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry Regulations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

• Work with the Director of Dental Operations to schedule dental assistants to ensure adequate clinical support for the dentists.
• Work with the Chief Dental Officer to establish standardized processes in dental assistant clinical workflow.
• Oversee and monitor the day to day activities of the dental assistants for all clinics, ensuring that standardized processes are followed.
• Assists in reviewing records to ensure accuracy of documentation by dental assistants.
• Work with the purchasing department, under the direction of the Chief Dental Officer, to streamline clinical orders and monitor usage of dental inventory.
• Maintain log of clinical dental repair requests and follow-up, updating the master equipment maintenance list periodically.
• Train new dental assistants on usage of Dentrix, Dexis, and MediaDent (along with the Director of Dental Operations) and all DA functions.
• Comply with new changes in policy and procedures and monitor compliance by all dental assistants.
• Verify all the lab and repair inventory slips with Finance.
• Work with the clinical team to ensure appropriate communication with the administrative team in following Pre-Authorization protocols.
• Maintain all updated documentation on clinic information including SDS and the dental manual, as directed.
• Provide oversight and ensure safety compliance of sterilization, cleaning and maintenance of instruments and equipment. Ensure operatories and dental spaces are clean, well-stocked and functioning. Keep current on infection control procedures, OSHA guidelines and dental materials.
• Monitor and perform regular site visits for support at all clinic sites.
• Maintain and monitor adequate work schedules for the dental assistants.
• Delegate the daily workloads and tasks fairly among dental assistants, monitor for accountability.
• Holds monthly meetings with dental assistants to discuss and gain resolution to problems in clinical service.
• Maintain smooth work flow between dentists, assistants, and patients.
• Coordinate employee breaks as necessary to minimize disruption in patient care.
• Coordinate dental assistant activities as necessary during periods of downtime.
• Report any incidents, clinic concerns, or changes to the Dentist, Director of Dental Operations and Chief Dental Officer.
• In addition to these job functions, Lead Dental Assistant will also perform regular dental assisting job functions and duties (as needed and assigned) as outlined in the Dental Assistant job description.
• Provide recommendations for improvements within the department including work flow, patient safety, etc. Participate in continuous dental quality improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Moderate physical effort required to include sitting, standing, walking and twisting / bending. Grasping reaching and repetitive hand / wrist movements are routine. Employee may be required to work different sites as scheduled to accommodate the needs of various sites.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Potential occasional exposure to low dose radiation hazards, hazardous chemicals and body fluids and waste. Personal protective equipment provided. May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS