Dental Assistant

Job Purpose:

• The Sterile Tech/Dental Assistant at MARK TWAIN HEALTH CARE DISTRICT is responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sterilization of dental instruments and equipment, assisting dental professionals during procedures, and maintaining a safe and efficient clinical environment. This role is crucial in supporting dental practitioners to provide high-quality patient care and maintaining the operational flow of the dental clinic.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment following established protocols to ensure patient safety and compliance with health regulations.
• Assist dentists during dental procedures by providing necessary instruments and materials and ensuring patient comfort.
• Maintain and organize dental supply inventories, ensuring all materials are adequately stocked and ordered as needed.
• Perform routine maintenance on dental equipment and report any malfunctions or necessary repairs to the appropriate personnel.
• Ensure the dental operatory and laboratory are clean, organized, and prepared for patient care.
• Assist in patient management, including seating patients, taking and recording vital signs, and updating patient records.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene practices and post-operative care instructions as directed by the dentist.
• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and guidelines to create a safe working environment for staff and patients.
• Collaborate with dental team members to improve workflow efficiency and enhance patient care experiences.

Required Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a certified dental assistant program preferred.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a dental assistant or in a related healthcare field.
• Experience in a sterile processing environment is highly desirable.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in dental procedures and terminology.
• Ability to maintain a sterile environment and adhere to infection control protocols.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare team members.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Competency in using dental software and basic computer applications.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and work independently as well as part of a team.

Collaborate with healthcare professionals • Patient comfort • Customer records maintenance • Computer operation • Customer communication • Records maintenance • Oral hygiene • Patient rooming • Dental office • Equipment safety procedures • Vital signs • Dental care patient counseling • Preparing dental treatment areas • Laboratory equipment maintenance • Medical procedure assistance • Pre-examination patient preparation • Medical instrument assembly and packaging (sterile processing) • Safety regulations • Patient safety measures implementation • Full-time • Healthcare practice inventory management • Healthcare infection prevention and control expertise • High school diploma or GED • Preparing medical treatment area • Dental terminology • Disinfection procedures • Perioperative Care • Health record tracking • Organizational skills • Dental equipment • Medical equipment cleaning • Care facility supply management • Computer skills • Medical assisting • Dental Assisting • 1 year • Medical post-procedure instructions • Patient education • Managing patient records • Ordering supplies • Routine maintenance projects • Communication skills • Entry level