Dental Assistant (DA)

Darling Children's Dentistry - Ottumwa, IA

Full-time

Ottumwa, IA

About the position

The Dental Assistant plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of dental care delivery by supporting dentists in various procedures and patient interactions. This position requires a blend of technical and interpersonal skills to ensure quality oral health care and patient satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Assist with dental and medical emergencies according to OSHA and office procedures.
• Maintain CPR certification.
• Assist chair side in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, restorative, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Educate patients and families on caries risk management and reduction protocols.
• Communicate with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies).
• Make impressions.
• Explain consents in detail, answer patient questions and obtain patient signatures.
• Clean and polish appliances.
• Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients at each appointment.
• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Expose diagnostic x-rays.
• Actively provide hand instruments and materials to the dentist, as needed, during exams and procedures in order to help maintain patient comfort and dentists efficiency.
• Using and maintain hazard control protocols as established by OSHA and office standards.
• Must always represent the practice in a professional, pleasant, and cooperative manner.
• Must maintain regular consistent and punctual attendance in accordance with assigned schedule and time off policies.
• Must be able to comfortably and efficiently handle multiple deadlines and task assignments.

Requirements

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work with hands and perform technical tasks.
• Knowledge of dental procedures and terminology.
• CPR certification.