POSITION SUMMARY:    The lead dental assistant is responsible for supporting the dental assistants in the day-to-day functions of the dental office and to the providers for clinical treatment. Assist dentist in the examination and treatment of patients. Perform a variety of chair-side and clinical support functions. Prepare treatment operatory and position instruments and equipment. Monitor patient comfort. Assisted in maintaining treatment records and operatory equipment and instruments.

POSITION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure operational readiness by stocking operatories, including infection control and autoclaving dental equipment.  Expiration dates should be included in all instruments as documentation of sterilization.
• Ensure excellent customer service and Patient Flow by informing scheduled patients of any delays due to dentist's emergencies within 10 mins., schedule backup, etc.
• Ensure all patient slots are filled in dental schedules. 
• Ensure CSRs complete patient callbacks.
• Assist the dental director in monitoring staffing issues, including overstaffing, to control overtime and coverage for absenteeism.
• Reconcile daily patient encounters and ensure completeness and accuracy of patient charts.
• Ensure proper infection control by documenting and auditing autoclaving expiration dates
• Manage supply inventory and ensure dental equipment is in good condition and/or repaired in a timely manner.
• Actively participate in achieving patient satisfaction and office production goals by working efficiently and providing a high level of patient service. Achieve goals of a minimum of 30 patient satisfaction surveys per week.
• Assist with recruiting new dental assistants.
• Responsible for the training and development of new and existing dental assistants.
• Work collaboratively with the dentist to coordinate quality dental care for the clinic's patients.
• Ensure all patients are guided through the treatment process before treatment begins, educated in oral hygiene instruction, and provided with postoperative instructions and contact information for emergencies.
• Assist the dental director, office coordinator, and front desk staff in optimizing the office's efficiency to improve service to our patients by building teamwork.
• Assist with various prosthetic and restorative procedures, including impressions, evacuation, retraction, cementation, and homeostasis.
• Assist with mixing various types of materials; dispense, set up, and assist with nitrous oxide and electro surgery.
• Assist patients needing help, i.e., handicapped, pediatric, etc.
• Provide backup for co-workers when needed.
• Assist with other duties as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Education:          High school Diploma or GED and completion of an approved dental assistant course
• Experience:        3-5 years of experience.
• Expertise:           Good communication and interpersonal skills. Good organizational ability and time management skills. Interest in health care work.
• Language:          Comprehend and use basic written or spoken language to communicate information and ideals.
• Hours of Work:   May vary based on Organizational need.
• Travel:                May vary based on Organizational need.