Dental Assistant

Full Time - This is a 32 - 36hr/week position.

Dental Assistants desiring cross training with administrative position are encouraged to apply. The dental assistant assists in the performance of high quality and caring clinical dentistry. The DA performs clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist as well as prepares the hygiene or operatory areas with necessary equipment while maintaining awareness of the comfort and safety needs of patients.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty as listed below.

Essential Duties:

· The dental assistant is vital in providing and setting the “child friendly” tone essential to the clinic. The dental assistant provides customer service by greeting the patient and parents in a professional and welcoming manner and provides explanation regarding patient treatment. The dental assistant escorts the patient to the clinical area and will also provide exit information with the parent following the child’s appointment and answers any questions they may have.

· Initiates and gives oversight to teeth brushing by patient, administers teeth cleaning including coronal polishing with a prophy angle, flossing, and provides age appropriate instruction on teeth brushing and flossing techniques to patient and parent, and dispenses and applies fluoride and discusses benefit to patient and parent.

· Efficiently takes bitewing, occlusal and panoramic x-rays for the doctor to use in diagnosis. Maintains and services x-ray equipment and supplies. Provides education for prevention and diagnostic benefits of x-rays to parents and patients. Checks chart to verify when bitewings, occlusal, periapical and/or panoramic x-rays are needed.

· Maintains and updates record of patient treatment per treatment plan, provides documentation of doctor’s exam, proposed treatment plan, recall, notes allergies and pre-meds.

· Reviews patient’s medical history, progress from the previous visit, if applicable, and the scheduled treatment plan with each parent and patient.

· Applies non-aerosol and non caustic topical agents and fluoride.

· Completes sterilization procedures and maintains sterilizing equipment. Maintenance of nitrous and oxygen tanks, hoses and clinical treatment equipment. Assists in completion of water line maintenance, spore testing and other duties as assigned.

· Orders clinical supplies; ensures the most cost-effective sources or preferences of doctor are being used.

· Maintains inventory system for supplies and continually develops relationships with vendors.

· Organizes physical stock of supplies.

· Assures overall maintenance of all dental equipment.

· Assist in performing Infant Dental Checks.

· Accepts delegation from Office Manager with tasks that may be administrative as needed such as calling patients to schedule overdue cleaning or treatment appointments.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

· Skilled in the use of standard dental office equipment including: autoclave, model trimmer, X-ray machines, ultrasonic, oxygen and nitrous oxide, spore testing, and hand pieces.

· Knowledge of cross contamination and how to prevent it.

· Knowledge of OSHA regulations and changes.

· Ability to take radiographs, including bitewings, panorex and anterior PA’s.

· Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including: telephones, calculators, copiers, computers, and computer software (Dentrix, Microsoft Word and Excel)

· Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations.

· Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers, and patients.

· Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff and patients.

· Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner.

· Ability to accept constructive criticism.

· Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.

· Ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and maintain confidentiality.

· Ability to communicate and express thoughts and ideas competently.

· Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities.

Education/Experience:

· High School diploma or equivalent

· Certificate of completion from accredited dental assisting program

· Experience in the pediatric dentistry is preferred.

Special Requirements/Certifications/Licenses recommended:

· Valid X-ray certificate

· Current CPR/BLS certificate

· Completion of OSHA training

· Completion of Hepatitis B vaccination series

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

· May be required to lift up to 75 pounds.

· Hand-eye coordination and hand arm, and finger mobility for detailed work with objects.

· Active movement throughout the day: sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, reaching etc. (not a sedentary position).

· Vision: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

· Hearing: able to satisfactorily communicate with patients, doctor and other staff members to ensure that verbal communication is clearly understood, particularly during emergent situations.

· Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment.

· May be required to administer CPR.

· Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation.

· Exposure to moderate noise levels.

· Exposure to hectic, fast-paced, high anxiety environments.

Additional or different duties may be assigned occasionally at employer’s discretion.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• Fort Collins, CO 80525 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Fort Collins, CO 80525: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $21