Registered Dental Assistant

The Registered Dental Assistant is a vital member of the practice and facilitates the work of the dentist and dental hygienists, ensuring dental procedures go smoothly with a high-quality of patient care.  They work with patients by performing tasks before and after the dentist meets with the patient as well as assists the dentist during certain dental procedures.  Their duties include some intra-oral care.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Excellent Patient Care and safety

Dental Equipment and Technology

Clinical Procedures

Oral Health Education and Promotion

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Planning and Organizing

Accountability and Dependability

Decision Making and Judgment

Ethics and Integrity

Positive Energy and Teamwork

JOB DUTIES

The main duties of a Dental Assistant are outlined, but not limited to the below:

Greets patients, prepares patients for dental examination, assisting the dentist and hygienist during examinations and procedures

Work chair side and intra-orally within scope of practice, including; applying topical anesthetics, taking impression, application of pit and fissure sealants, fluoride application, taking extra oral photos, holding the suction, passing instruments, mixing materials, reviewing post op instructions, and medical histories, taking blood pressure and keeping patients comfortable

Collaborate with the dentist and team

Assists in updating and maintaining patient dental chart; daily filing and preparing for the following business day

Helps ensure daily operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance, following instrument procedures to disinfect operatories, sterilize instruments and dental apparatuses

Educates patients on value and importance of proposed treatment plan prescribed by the doctor

Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health