Dental Assistant / PSR

Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant works under general supervision of the Pediatric Dentist and the Clinic Manager / Director. This position assists the Dentist in all aspects of patient care. The Dental Assistant is responsible for scheduling dental appointments and registering new patients; screening by phone or in person all patients; assumes responsibility for one or more functional areas as described based on daily assignments from Pediatric Clinic Manager. Assures that all paperwork, documentation and records are ready and available at the time patients arrive for dental clinic visits. Performs related and occasionally other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities) :

• Assists Dentist; prepares for dental treatment by draping patient with covering; arranges dental instruments, materials and medications on chair side tray in the order they are used according to scheduled treatment.
• Provides instruments to the Dentist during assists during oral surgery.
• Keeps oral operating areas clear during dental procedures by use of suction devices; water sprays, cotton rolls and holders; sterilizes instruments using autoclaves or chemical disinfectants; mixes dental material for procedure being done.
• Take radiographs. Then processes and mounts prints for review and study. Change developing solutions in automatic and manual developers and logs number of exposures daily. Takes patients vital signs, pours, trim and polishes casts and removable appliance. Conducts plaque controls program and home care instructions. May keep inventory of materials used.
• Takes patients vital signs, pours, trim and polishes casts and removable appliance.
• Conducts plaque controls program and home care instructions.
• Performs front office and other clerical duties including but not limited to answering phones in a courteous and professional manner; greeting all patients and confirming their appointment time; directs patient flow to assure smooth activity; monitors waiting room activities.
• Pulls and prepares the unit dental record at least 72 hours in advance of the appointment.
• Assist in record keeping of inventory.
• Accurately schedules all patient appointments and return appointments based on physician / dentist or student doctor and medical / dental specialty; obtains, verifies and records patient demographic information including all insurance information required by the appointment system.
• Verifies financial eligibility of all patients scheduled; verifies and records patient demographic information including all insurance information required by the appointment system; obtains necessary authorizations based on patient's insurance requirements; confirms all appointments within 48 hours of scheduled time; makes referral appointments for patients; performs scheduling maintenance as required by the system.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Duties will be assigned in other clinic service areas as patient needs required.