Position Title: Dental Assistant-unregistered (DA), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Employee Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Director of Operations

Job Summary:

The DA/RDA assists in the performance of quality, caring, clinical dentistry by aiding the dentist smoothly and unobtrusively during examinations and treatment. The DA/RDA performs clinical and technical procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist as well as prepares the operatory and equipment, gets the patient ready, and maintains awareness of the comfort and safety needs of the patients.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily execute the essential duties as listed below.

Essential Duties (DA): 

• Demonstrates commitment to the team, the patients we serve and to the success of the practice.
• Seeks out opportunities for growth and learning both personally and professionally.
• Is not satisfied with the status quo- is always striving for excellence in every aspect of their position.
• Can think outside of the box to solve hard problems. Does not rely on others to solve problems for them. 
• Demonstrates appropriate level of empathy to team members and patients, with the ability to have needed, difficult conversations. 
• Remaining compliant with all OSHA regulations, reporting all discretions to the Director of Operations.
• Records treatment information on the patient’s chart, including treatment rendered, the type of treatment planned, and the amount of chair time, dentist time and assistant time needed for next appointment.
• Assists the dentist by passing instruments, aspirating intra-oral fluids, mixing materials and medicaments during examinations and treatments.
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room and prepping them for care by the dentist.
• Acquire x-rays when necessary. Correctly labels the mount within software.
• Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilization of all instruments, cleaning and restocking.
• Maintains cleanliness of the lab and sterilization area.
• Changes all chemical solutions, i.e., disinfectant soaks and sprays, sterilizing solutions, ultrasonic, pre-soak, etc.
• Prepare in advance and reviews, patients’ medical histories, progress from the previous visits, if applicable, and the scheduled treatment plan for each patient.
• Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models, Ortho, etc.
•  Pours and trims study models, mounted cases when requested, custom trays, ortho movement trays, and/or any other lab work necessary. 
• Communicates directly with dental laboratories. For each case, UDA creates a custom Lab Case Manager within Eaglesoft as well as maintaining a record/log.
• Monitors incoming and outgoing lab cases.
• Ensures lights, units, sedation equipment and computers are turned on prior to the first patient, and off when appropriate. 
• Applies non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agents and fluoride when directed. 
• Removes post-extraction and periodontal dressings.
• Helps set up/administer nitrous oxide to patients, as applicable.
•  Assists dentist during surgical and non-surgical procedures, with and without the use of IV moderate sedation
• Cleans hand pieces, vacuum traps, and sharp instruments.
• Places and removes rubber dams.
• Orders supplies, only as needed if Director of Operations is absent.
• Maintains plaster trap and lab counter areas.
• Performs whitening treatments in office (Zoom) and provides instructions for after-care.
• Positive customer service interactions with patients.
• Assists patients with their questions and needs.
• Scheduling appointments.
• Obtain patient signatures on appropriate consent forms, as needed.
• Reviews treatment plans with patient and answers their questions.
•  Fill out referrals to specialists as directed by the dentist.
• Check in lab cases when they are returned from the dental lab.

Essential Duties (RDA)

• Temporarily cementing and removing temporary crowns and bands.
• Placing Class I resin bonded restorations, occlusal adjustment, finishing and polishing with non-tissue cutting rotary hand pieces.
• Taking final impressions for indirect restorations.
• Removing orthodontic adhesive from teeth, supra-gingivally, after removing brackets with non-tissue cutting instruments.
• Placing and removing non-epinephrine retraction cords.
• Drying endodontic canals with absorbent points.
• Sizing of temporary crowns and bands.
• Performing pulp vitality testing.
• Placing and removing a non-metallic temporary restoration with non-tissue cutting instruments.
• Applying desensitizing agents.
• Applying anticariogenic agents including, but not limited to, sealants, fluoride varnish, and fluoride applications.
• Polishing specific teeth with a slow speed rotary hand piece immediately before procedures that require acid etching, for placement of sealants, placement of resin-bonded orthodontic appliances, and placement of direct restorations by the dentist. 
• Polishing and contouring of sealants with a slow-speed rotary hand piece immediately following the procedure for the purpose of occlusal adjustment. 
• Classifying occlusion.
• Providing nutritional counseling for oral health and maintenance.
• Applying commonly accepted emergency procedures.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Skilled in the use of standard dental office equipment including autoclave, model trimmer, x-ray machine, ultrasonic, oxygen and nitrous oxide, laser, intra-oral camera, Vacu-press, alginate mixer, Amalgamator, and hand pieces.
• Ability to take blood pressures and read monitors.
• Knowledge of cross contamination and how to prevent it.
• Knowledge of OSHA and HIPAA regulations and changes.
• Ability to take radiographs, including FMX, PANO, CBCT and anterior PAs.
• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Proficient in the use of standard office equipment including telephones, calculators, copiers, fax machines, computers, and computer software (Excel, Word, Practice Management Software).
• Ability to engender trust from the dentists, co-workers, and patients. 
• Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff and patients.
• Talented in prioritizing, organizing, and completing tasks in an efficient and independent manner. 
• Capable of accepting constructive feedback, and work with Director of Operations on plan to improve/excel.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Aptitude for collecting data, establishing facts, drawing valid conclusions, and maintaining confidentiality. 
• Skilled in communicating and expressing thoughts and ideas completely and efficiently, and quickly able to grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities. 
• Must be flexible, and have the ability to adapt to change and growth. 

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent-required
• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in the dental profession-required

Special Requirements, Certifications, Licenses

• • Valid X-Ray Certificate-preferred
  • CPR & First Aid Certificate-preferred

• RDA License (if applying for RDA position)-required

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• May be required to lift up to 80 pounds.
• Hand-eye coordination and hand, arm, and finger mobility for detailed work with objects.
• May be required to physically assist drowsy patients after anesthesia.
• Active movement throughout the day such as sitting for periods of time, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, etc. (not a sedentary position). 
• Vision: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing: must be able to satisfactorily communicate with patients, the dentist, and other staff members to ensure that verbal communication is clearly understood, particularly during emergency situations. 
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment.
• May be required to administer CPR.
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemical and radiation.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels.
• Exposure to hectic, fast-paced, high anxiety environments.

Additional or different duties may be assigned at the employer’s discretion.

Position Title: Dental Front Desk Receptionist

Employee Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Director of Operations

Job Summary:

This is a customer service-oriented position. The Front Desk Receptionist communicates with patients regarding their insurance and treatment plans, obtains and charts needed documentation and paperwork, and communicates with insurance companies regarding benefits,  claims and pre-authorizations. 

Qualifications: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty as listed below.

Essential Duties:

• Demonstrates commitment to the team, the patients we serve and to the success of the practice.
• Seeks out opportunities for growth and learning both personally and professionally.
• Is not satisfied with the status quo- is always striving for excellence in every aspect of their position.
• Can think outside of the box to solve hard problems. Does not rely on others to solve problems for them. 
• Demonstrates appropriate level of empathy to team members and patients, with the ability to have needed, difficult conversations. 
• Check patients in when they arrive for their appointments and/or check them out at the end of their visit.
• Register new patients and collect their demographic and insurance information for their charts.
• Maintains appropriate documentation, including signed Financial and HIPAA policies, for each patient.
• Determines insurance eligibility, limitations and payment estimates necessary to facilitate accurate treatment plans.
• Sends information as requested by the insurance companies such as x-rays, charting, narratives and other documentation for processing claims or for obtaining pre-authorizations, when applicable.
• Prepare schedules for the next day, including filling openings.
• Receive returned lab cases, enter them into the computer system, and contact the patient.
• Phone in prescriptions for patients when needed.
• Distribute letters from specialists to the dentists for follow up and follow up with patients when needed.
• Schedule appointments as needed.
• Answer phone calls, triage patient needs, return voice mails as needed. 
• Process patient payments. 
• Send appropriate documentation to specialists for needed referrals. 
• Perform appointment reminder calls and communicate via text as needed. 
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 
• Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including: telephones, calculators, copiers, fax, computers, and computer software (MS Excel, Word, Practice Management software).
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations.
• Ability to engender trust from the dentists, co-workers, and patients.
• Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, and quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities. 

Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent-required
• Minimum of one-year relevant experience in the dental profession-required

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• May be required to lift up to eighty pounds.
• Sedentary position: may be required to sit for long periods of time.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment. 

Special Requirements/Certifications:

• CPR certification-preferred

Position Title: Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Employee Status: Non-Exempt 

Reports To: Director of Operations

Job Summary: The Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is in a special position to provide our patients the most important health service: ongoing preventive oral care by cleaning, scaling and polishing teeth to prevent gum disease. 

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty as listed below. 

Essential Duties: 

• Demonstrates commitment to the team, the patients we serve and to the success of the practice.
• Seeks out opportunities for growth and learning both personally and professionally.
• Is not satisfied with the status quo- is always striving for excellence in every aspect of their position.
• Can think outside of the box to solve hard problems. Does not rely on others to solve problems for them. 
• Demonstrates appropriate level of empathy to team members and patients, with the ability to have needed, difficult conversations. 
• Records treatment information in the patient’s chart, including treatment rendered, and the type of future treatment planned. 
• Takes full mouth X-rays, bite wing X-rays, and periapical X-rays when needed, and labels them appropriately in the chart.
• Records evaluation of periodontal conditions, occlusal relations and extent of prophylaxis on dental chart to ensure a complete diagnosis and proper treatment plan by the dentist. 
• Provides customer service support to patients by escorting them to and from the treatment room. 
• Applies non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agents and pit and fissure sealants. 
• Removes excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth. 
• Assists doctor during clinical exam and records findings and recommendations. Performs oral cancer exam on all patients. 
• Scales, polishes, and applies fluoride to patient’s teeth. 
• Prepares all treatment rooms including, but not limited to, set-up, decontamination, sterilizing and sharpening all instruments, cleaning hand pieces and operatory, and restocking needed supplies. 
• Inspects patient’s oral cavity and charts lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth. Evaluates gingival health and health of all oral tissue. 
• Executes root planing and Myofunctional evaluations. 
• Educates patients on the importance of preventative care, the disease process, and the role of bacteria; provides appropriate educational literature and instruction on home care. 
• Schedules patient’s next hygiene appointment and communicates with appropriate staff to ensure future treatment is scheduled before patient leaves the practice. 
• Implements and monitors recall system; contacts patients who are overdue for a recall. Helps fill the patient schedule when there are openings to keep production levels high each day. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when exposed to stressful situations. 
• Skilled in the use of a Cavitron. 
• Ability to perform scaling and root planing, take radiographs, and administer local anesthetic. 
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and changes. 
• Knowledge of English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 
• Skilled in the use of standard office equipment including telephones, calculators, copiers, fax, computers, and computer software (Eaglesoft, MS Excel, Word, Practice Management software). 
• Ability to engender trust from the doctors, co-workers, and patients. Ability to work cooperatively with management, staff, and patients. 
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete tasks in a timely and independent manner. Should be a self-starter.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions and accept constructive criticism and coaching. 
• Ability to collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to communicate and express thoughts and ideas competently. 
• Ability to quickly grasp relevant concepts regarding duties and responsibilities. 

Education / Experience: 

• High school diploma or equivalent-required
• Graduation from an Accredited Dental Hygiene School-required
• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience as a hygienist-required

Special Requirements/Certifications/Licenses: 

• Valid X-ray certificate-required
• Current RDH license with Local Anesthesia-required
•  Current CPR & first aid certificate-preferred

Physical and Environmental Requirements: 

• May be required to lift up to 80 lbs. 
• Hand-eye coordination and hand, arm, and finger mobility for detailed work with objects. 
• May be required to physically assist drowsy patients after anesthesia. 
• Active movement throughout the day: sitting, walking, standing, squatting, bending, stooping, reaching, etc. (not a sedentary position). 
• Vision: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
• Hearing: able to satisfactorily communicate with patients, doctor, and other staff members to ensure that verbal communication is clearly understood, particularly during emergency situations. 
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or operate equipment. 
• May be required to administer CPR. 
• Occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and radiation. 
• Exposure to moderate noise levels and hectic, fast-paced, high anxiety environments. 

Additional or different duties may be assigned occasionally at the employer’s discretion.