Dental Assistant - Special Needs

Now is the time to join PDS Foundation® Dentists for Special Needs. You will have opportunities to learn new skills from our team of experienced professionals. If you're ready to take your career to the next level and gain valuable experience, apply today!

The primary role of a dental assistant is to support the success of the clinicians to deliver effective and compassionate care to patients with special needs. Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They prepare patients for oral examination and assist other dental professionals in providing treatment for improved oral health. Dental assistants must be compassionate, empathetic and welcoming to patients, their families and caregivers. Be flexible and collaborative in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others with a willingness to adapt based on the individual patient needs. Keeping commitments and proactively keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions. Must support the policies and goals of the practice and the PDS Foundation, thus participating in their growth and future.

1. Perform functions in accordance with the applicable state's Dental Auxiliaries Table of Permitted Duties.
2. Actively participate in the patient experience by striving to keep patients and their caregivers focused on the diagnosed and needed treatment while attending to their unique individual needs and concerns.
3. Escort patients to/from the front desk and introduce them to other team members as appropriate.
4. Ensure patients are properly secured to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.
5. Maintain a clean, sterile, cheerful and inviting environment.
6. Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment; clean each operatory following each patient procedure and in accordance with the state applicable infection control guidelines.
7. Proficiently prepare patients for treatment and assist the dentist in maintaining a systematic and efficient approach to providing quality dental care that meets the needs of the individual patient.
8. At the direction of the dentist, complete radiographs and intra-oral pictures on patients in a manner that meets the needs of the individual patient but also provides the dentist with quality, diagnostic images.
9. Prepare tray setups for dental procedures and maintain adequate supply levels in each operatory, replenishing as needed to provide efficient patient care reducing patient chair time.
10. Keep the patients' mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Be attentive to patient body language and non-verbal communications to support the safety and comfort the patient, dentist and team members.
11. Instruct patients and/or caregivers on postoperative care and strategies for improving oral health care as directed by the dentist, delivering information at a level of communication appropriate for the individual patient.
12. Record patient charting as existing and all of the dentist's notes in the digital patient chart as dictated by the dentist during an exam.
13. Support patient care by presenting treatment record, consents and health history to clinician prior to patient treatment.
14. Ensure equipment is maintained according to manufacturer's guidelines.
15. Embrace technology by learning how to competently operate and provide explanation/demonstration of how to operate to others as appropriate.
16. Maintain up to date on best practices to assist patients with special needs by completing continuing education.
17. Maintain an appropriate professional appearance and demeanor in accordance with applicable policies.
18. Maintain strict compliance with State, Federal, and other regulations, (e.g., OSHA, WC, Dental Board, HIPAA, ADA, DOL, HR policies and practices).
19. Other duties as assigned by management.

REQUIRED:

• Equivalent to high school diploma or general education degree (GED), and specified training courses as mandated by state for certification, licensure, or registration.
• Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: As mandated by applicable state (e.g. coronal polish, radiograph exposure, ultrasonic scaling for orthodontic procedures, pit and fissure sealant application, etc.).

PREFERRED:

• Associate Degree or one-year certificate from an accredited college or technical school; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Ability to remain calm in situations that may be stressful for patients.
• Ability to be patient and empathetic with patients.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, staff, vendors, or other members of the business community.
• Ability to draw valid conclusions, apply sound judgment in making decisions, and to make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to interact with other Clinicians and Owner Doctors effectively
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as business periodicals, professionals' journals, technical procedure manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and present information, both verbally and in writing, to patients, caregivers, case managers and co-workers.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, or diagram form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, decimals and percentages. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages.
• Ability to maneuver through basic computer software.
• Experience either at a clinic or volunteer capacity of working with individuals with special needs.

Pacific Dental Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are united in our mission to create healthier and happier team members.