Dental assistant job description template

Table 1: Position Identification

1. Position Summary

The Dental Assistant works chairside with the dentist at [ORGANIZATION_NAME] and keeps patients comfortable and safe. The assistant sets up and cleans the operatory, passes instruments, keeps the field clear with suction, mixes materials, and reprocesses instruments so every patient gets clean, sterile tools. Depending on training and what [PROVINCE] allows, the assistant may also take x-rays, take impressions and do other added duties. The job is done well when appointments run on time, infection prevention steps are never skipped, records are complete and patients leave feeling well looked after.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Chairside assisting (40% of time)

• Seat the patient, review the medical history update with them, and tell the dentist about any changes.
• Set up the operatory with the right instruments, materials and equipment for the planned procedure.
• Pass instruments, use high-volume suction and the air-water syringe, and retract the cheek and tongue so the dentist can see and work.
• Mix and prepare filling materials, cements and impression materials to the manufacturer's instructions and timing.
• Watch the patient for signs of discomfort or a medical problem, and tell the dentist right away.
• Give the patient post-operative instructions, in writing where the office uses them.

2.2 Infection prevention and instrument reprocessing (20% of time)

• Clean and disinfect operatory surfaces and put on fresh barriers between patients.
• Carry used instruments to the reprocessing area safely, then clean, inspect, package and sterilize them following the office's written procedure and the manufacturer's instructions.
• Run and record sterilizer cycles, including the chemical and biological monitoring the office's procedure requires, and report any failed test right away.
• Flush and maintain dental unit waterlines on the schedule.
• Handle sharps, amalgam waste and biomedical waste following the office's procedure.

2.3 X-rays, impressions and added duties (10% of time)

• Take dental x-rays (radiographs) if you are trained and authorized to in [PROVINCE], using lead aprons and the office's radiation safety rules.
• Take impressions or digital scans for study models, mouth guards and whitening trays as allowed in [PROVINCE].
• Do other added duties you are trained and authorized for, such as coronal polishing, sealants, fluoride or topical anaesthetic. Only do tasks the law in [PROVINCE] and the dentist allow you to do.

2.4 Records and charting (10% of time)

• Chart treatment, materials used and the dentist's notes in [PRACTICE_SOFTWARE] as the dentist directs.
• Update medical histories and record consent where the office's process requires.
• Keep patient information private and follow the privacy rules that apply to health information in [PROVINCE].

2.5 Patient education and comfort (10% of time)

• Show patients how to brush, floss and care for appliances.
• Explain what will happen during a procedure in simple words, and help anxious patients feel at ease.
• Help children, older patients and patients with disabilities in and out of the chair.

2.6 Lab work and supplies (5% of time)

• Pour and trim models, and package lab cases with the correct prescription.
• Track lab cases so they are back before the patient's appointment.
• Check stock of materials, gloves and barriers, and tell [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] what to order.

2.7 Front desk help (5% of time)

• Book follow-up appointments and help at the front desk during busy times.
• Answer patient questions about the treatment they just had.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Table 2: Qualifications Matrix

4. Competencies

Table 3: Core Competencies and Behavioural Indicators

5. Working Conditions & Performance Measures

5.1 Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical and environmental demands described below are those needed to do the main parts of this job. [ORGANIZATION_NAME] will accommodate employees with disabilities under human rights law, up to the point of undue hardship.

Table 4: Physical Demands and Working Environment

5.2 Performance Measures

Table 5: Performance Evaluation Matrix

5.3 Career Path

• Typical Prior Roles: Dental Assisting Student, Dental Receptionist, Sterilization Assistant.
• Typical Next Roles: Senior or Lead Dental Assistant, Orthodontic Assistant, Treatment Coordinator, Office Manager, Dental Hygienist (after further education).

5.4 Acknowledgement and Sign-Off

This job description lists the main duties and qualifications for the Dental Assistant position at [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. It is not a full list of every task. Duties and schedules may change with reasonable notice to meet the needs of the business.

By signing below, the employee confirms they have received and read this job description.

Employee Name (Printed)

Employee Signature

Date (DD-MMM-YYYY)

Manager / Supervisor Name (Printed)

Manager / Supervisor Signature

Date (DD-MMM-YYYY)

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