Lead Dental Assistant Position Summary

JOB CLASSIFICATION-  Non-Exempt      

Performs a variety of dental assisting duties while promoting quality dental care for patients and a safe environment of minimal stress.  Assists the doctor, teaches the patients how to care for their teeth and oral appliances, communicates effectively with patients and/or parents, maintains equipment and inventory, and follows universal precautions and all OSHA requirements.  Follows office protocol by maintaining a safe workplace for employees and contractors; maintaining the hazardous chemicals labeling system; adhering to  infection control protocol, and the management of all aspects of infectious and/or hazardous waste. Facilitates the work flow and patient flow, patient safety / patient education and participation in treatment acceptance by patients.

In addition to Dental Assistant position requirements

Responsible for operations support, including but not limited to: dental assisting, specialty referrals, monitoring dental assistants’ productivity, monitoring inventory of clinical supplies, preparation of clinical supply orders and laboratory communication, support for maintenance of clinical equipment, clinical support staff assignments, monitor clinical support staff and logs for CDC, OSHA, HIPAA, Risk Management, and safety compliance. The lead Dental Assistant’s role is to train, develop and mentor all other dental assistants.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to meet the physical requirements and demands of an active position, including but not limited to: extended durations of standing, walking, stooping, bending and sitting; manual dexterity; good eye-hand coordination; visual abilities (depth perception, ocular focus, close vision, color vision, and peripheral vision), and adequate hearing to perform daily work. Must be able to adjust physically and emotionally to a spontaneous, fast-paced and hectic environment.

COMPETENCIES

Exceptional human relation and patient skills

Ability to work with people of all ages

Ability to handle conflict and get along with people

Ability to maintain outgoing, friendly attitude with patients and staff even under pressure

Ability to work with interruptions and to manage multiple priorities (multi-task)

Accuracy to write clearly, concisely, logically, and legibly

Manual dexterity

Ability to complete tasks within specified time frame                                                                                                     

SKILLS

Skills consistent with Dental Assisting and Four-Handed Dentistry concepts

Leadership skills to encourage clinical adeptness, teamwork and communication with patients

Presentation skills to develop preventive attitudes and knowledge in every patient

Professionalism, discretion, integrity, honesty, and dedication

Responsibilities

In addition to an understanding of all dental assisting duties and responsibilities,

• Assumes responsibility for direction of the assisting team to ensure patient care is always a priority and that patients are seen on time 
• Manages clinical supplies, equipment & medications inventory 
• Assumes responsibility for the training of and maintenance of clinical equipment 
• Maintains compliance with CDC, OSHA, Risk Management, and safety regulations and guidelines and compliance with HIPAA privacy regulations 
• Maintains records and statistical data as assigned
• Assures functional operations that support the delivery of efficient and effective patient care
• Demonstrates effective communication, and managerial skills
• Assigns cleaning duties to assisting team (rotating the duties) per office protocol
• Holds assisting team accountable for all team and individual assigned responsibilities and tasks
• Assumes responsibility for direct reports personnel orientation, training, performance evaluation, and collaborate with management on disciplinary action plans when necessary
• Ensures patient care calls are completed and reported in next day’s huddle 

Office Participation

• Is an active participant in team meetings

• Promotes team concept by interacting with others in the office & NO gossip rule
• Represents office with pleasant demeanor, positive attitude, and personal grooming
• Knows and supports office philosophy and mission
• Promotes the practice with enthusiasm and represents the practice philosophy for patient care and teamwork
• Enlists the help of others and offers help when asked
• Knows and follows all office policies and manuals
• Prepares for and fully participates in morning huddle providing all data regarding unscheduled treatment 
• Performs all other duties as requested by the Practice Administrator and Doctor