Dental Assistants

o Greet patients when they sign in and monitor arrival time

o Set up treatment rooms for procedures

o Escort patients to treatment room

o Seat patients in treatment rooms

o Show care and concern, and help patients feel comfortable

o Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol

o Ensure patients are always attended

o Anticipate and assist dentist’s needs

o Perform expanded functions and other tasks as assigned by the dentist

o Mix dental materials o Ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave

o Chart patients and record date, service rendered and any charges

o Escort patients from the treatment room

o Ensure proper treatment notes are recorded in patient’s chart

o Perform clinical procedures as practice act allows and as directed by dentist

o Give patient instruction and demonstrate when necessary

o Monitor patient flow

o Notify Treatment Coordinator if a patient should be called in the evening after a difficult appointment Treatment Room Management and Sterilization

o Keep dental units ready, stocked and clean

o Oversee cleanliness of the treatment room according to sterilization procedures

o Disinfect treatment rooms according to OSHA regulations

o Sterilize all instruments and handpieces according to OSHA regulations

o Keep trays, instruments and treatment room drawers organized

o Ensure that office sterilization procedures document is on display

o Promptly send out and monitor all dental laboratory cases

o Implement the preventative maintenance/cleaning schedule for dental equipment

o Maintain dental office emergency kits and nitrous and oxygen tanks

o Follow laboratory procedures according to office protocol