Dental Assistant

Company: First Choice Dental
Location: Stoughton
Posted on: May 7, 2025

Job Description:

Description:Availability at multiple locationsJOB PURPOSE:To enhance the daily operations of the clinic by providing excellent service and communication to our patients. A dental assistant (DAS) gives the overall impression of the company as typically patients spend most of their time with DAS's; therefore it is vitally important to set the tone with a positive attitude.ESSENTIAL JOB RESULTS:1. CHAIRSIDE ASSISTING:

• Prepare, sterilize, disinfect, and maintain dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Collect and record patient health histories.
• Maintain patient management during dental procedures to make sure the patient is comfortable (i.e. proper suction, using tools in a gentle manner).
• Properly transfer instruments to the doctor and/or second DAS.
• Perform dental procedure isolation techniques. Keep patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices.
• Preparation of dental materials (cements, amalgam, composite, impression materials, etc.).
• Thorough charting of treatment information in the patients' dental notes from the doctor.
• Assist doctor in management of medical and dental emergencies.
• Clean and polish removable instruments.
• Fabricate temporary restorations and custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
• Instruct patients on postoperative instructions and general oral health care.
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (i.e. tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling, etc.).
• Proficient with dental software (Dentrix) for charting, treatment planning, clinical notes, etc.2. EXPANDED FUNCTIONS:
  • Expose diagnostic x-rays and take intra-oral camera pictures (as needed).
  • Take impressions.
  • Use and maintain diagnodent, water laser, wand, intra-oral camera, etc.
  • Adapt temporary crowns for both posterior and anterior.
  • Place topical medications.
  • Remove excess cement from fabricated restorations and orthodontic bands.
  • Insert and adjust removable mouth appliances (i.e. denture, partial, flipper, bite splint, etc.).3. DENTAL INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES:
    • Manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
    • Perform instrument cleaning, sterilization/disinfection, and re-circulation.
    • Disinfect dental operatory and sterilization.4. DENTAL LABORATORY PROCEDURES:
      • Pour impressions to make models and trim models.
      • Fabricate mouth guards, temporary crowns, whitening trays, custom impression trays, etc.
      • Prepare casting models and dies.5. BUSINESS OFFICE PROCEDURES:
        • Schedule and confirm patient appointments.
        • Pull patient charts and file paperwork.
        • Answer the phone and take messages.
        • Follow all forms of HIPPA and patient privacy for confidentiality.
        • Greet patients and display a proper hand-off to the front office when checking a patient out.
        • Make unscheduled treatment calls.6. PATIENT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION:
          • Educate patients on personal oral care instructions (post-op, temporary crowns, removable appliances, extractions, etc.).
          • Take part in community dental health presentations.
          • Help to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.7. DENTAL ASSISTING - SPECIALTY AREAS:
            • Assist with endodontic procedures and oversee the care of the endo equipment (microscope, hand pieces, files, etc.).
            • Assist with conscious sedation and oversee the patient's blood pressure and pulse oximeter readings.
            • Assist with implant procedures.
            • Assist with orthodontic procedures.
            • Assist with TMJ procedures.
            • Assist with perio procedures.
            • Assist with oral surgery procedures.8. SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES:
              • Exemplify excellent patient service by answering questions in a thorough manner and following up with the patient (when need be).
              • Foster a positive attitude at work when interacting with staff and patients and be a team player.
              • Practice First Choice Dental's philosophy of 3-step communication.
              • Perform work in an efficient manner and be timely with patient care.
              • Provide a proper handoff to the doctor.
              • Conduct unscheduled treatment calls and talk to patients about scheduling their next appointment.
              • Be willing to help out at other sites (on day off or when asked).
              • Help with keeping the doctor and schedule running on time.
              • Respect patient privacy by maintaining a professional tone and by not discussing personal matters with other staff in front of a patient. The focus and conversation should always be centered around the patient. Keep level of voice controlled in order to not disturb other patients.
              • Initiate ideas for ways the site can improve or become more efficient.
              • Maintain effective organizational skills and a high attention to detail.
              • Take the time to carefully explain information to patients in a non-technical manner.Requirements:JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB EVALUATIONDOCUMENTATIONThe requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.KNOWLEDGEEDUCATION:
                • High School Diploma required
                • Dental Assisting Diploma/Certificate preferredEXPERIENCE:
                  • Requires a minimum of two years of recent dental assisting experience
                  • High proficiency with computers and electronic communication preferred
                  • Dentrix software preferredSKILLS AND ABILITIES:
                    • Strong interpersonal skills (making the patient feel welcome)
                    • Strong organizational and teamwork skills
                    • Ability to prioritize multiple requests efficiently
                    • Strong attention to detail and accuracy
                    • Effective written and verbal communication skillsLICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
                      • CPR Certification
                      • OSHA CertificationDECISION MAKING
                        • Prioritize duties
                        • Strong willingness to respond to patient questions/requestsBUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
                          • Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with doctors, patients, vendors, visitors, team members and the broader heath care community
                          • Demonstrates a commitment to service, organizational values and professionalism through appropriate conduct and demeanor at all timeCONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
                            • All employee records/conversations/benefit elections
                            • Business legal mattersHOURLY WAGE
                              • Based on experienceHOURS/WEEK
                                • Approximately 36 - 40 hours/weekPHYSICAL DEMANDSBalancingCrouchingX HearingSeeingX SittingX CarryingX FeelingKneelingX CloseX StandingClimbingFingeringX LiftingFarStoopingCrawlingX GraspingPullingX ColorX TalkingDepthX WalkingEXPOSURESAirborne ParticlesExplosivesMuscular StrainTemperatureCausticsFumesNoiseToxicantsChemicalsHigh PlacesOdorsVibrationElectrical CurrentMoving PartsPhysical AbuseX Vision StrainWeatherPI837b1336541e-37820-37572150

Keywords: First Choice Dental, Elgin , Dental Assistant, Healthcare , Stoughton, Illinois