What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dental Assistant position at Village Family Dental?
About Knowles Smith and Associates
Founded in 1985 by Dr. Michael Knowles in St. Pauls, North Carolina, our practice began as a small, community-focused dental office. Committed to enhancing dental care for our rural community, we pioneered the concept of the "Family Dental Group Practice," centralizing care under one roof by bringing in specialists directly to our office. This model has allowed us to provide comprehensive treatment without the need to refer patients to distant locations, ensuring better continuity of care.
In 1992, Dr. Terrance Smith, a prosthodontist, joined the practice, leading to our name change to Knowles, Smith and Associates, PA, though we operate as Village Family Dental. Over the years, our practice expanded, opening our second office in Hope Mills in 1993, and our third in Fayetteville in 1999. Dr. Faith McGibbon, a pediatric dentist, joined in 1994 and became a partner in 2002.
Today, our Partnership Group includes Dr. Brad Ryan, Dr. Grant Wiles, Dr. Mit Patel, Dr. Jordan Olsen, and Dr. Anuj James, who serves as Managing Partner. In 2002, Southeastern Dental Specialists and Dental Health Associates became part of our family, and in 2018, we introduced Village Kids to our growing network. Most recently, we welcomed Cape Fear Oral Surgery in Fayetteville and Warr Pediatric Dental Associates in High Point, further expanding our reach and commitment to exceptional dental care for families in North Carolina.
Job Description:
Job Purpose:
Primary responsibility is to assist the dentist in providing quality oral health patient care through four-handed dentistry. Facilitates services including blood pressure and oral cancer screenings, radiographs, charting conditions of decay and disease, thoroughly recording and transcribing all necessary information to patient record and performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.
Duties:
- Properly greets and prepares dental patients for proper oral health procedures including proper instrument set-u p and presents treatment plans for consent and payment estimates.
- Assist patient in completing medical and dental history , intake of vital signs , thoroughly documenting services rendered , and treatments performed.
- Performs quality chairside assistance , which encompasses all routine dental procedures to allow an efficient productive schedule.
- Exposing x-rays for dental diagnostics, coronal polishing
- Assist dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
- Prepares and follows assigned doctor’s lab case progression from prep through delivery.
- Arrests dental decay by applying fluorides and sealants, performs coronal polishing when qualified and educates patient on proper oral care.
- Maintains patient esthetics and ability to masticate by cleaning removable appliances.
- Maintains a safe, clean working environment by ensuring equipment and instruments receive the proper care, cleaning, and sterilization in compliance with state/federal infection control policies.
- Helps dentist manage medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency kit, oxygen, and other emergency supplies, and adhering to office education and protocol.
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications.
- Maintains patient confidentiality and conducts self in a professional manner.
- Re-enforce the “VFD Team Concept” with staff members.
Skills/Qualifications :
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- DA, DA II, CDA certification preferred.
- NC Xray required.
- BLS or CPR required.
- Use of dental technology, knowledge of dental health maintenance, infection control, dental procedures, radiographs .
- Pleasant outgoing, professional demeanor,
- Good teamwork , thoroughness, organizational skills, and self-development. Computer knowledge of Windows, dental software and Digital Imaging.
Physical Demands: The physical demands of this position are moderate and representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowles, Smith & Associates, LLP and its subsidiaries are committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment. All applicants are considered for employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, genetics, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
