Pediatric Dental Assistant Job in Des Plaines, Illinois

(Job ID: 519609)

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Description

Position Description The dental assistant is responsible for the overall patient experience from the reception area through their clinical experience and back to the reception area. The assistant relies on customer service skills, clinical skills, and teamwork to ensure a successful experience for the patient. Qualifications Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures, understanding of dental disease processes and how to educate patients on the consequences of not treating dental disease processes Working knowledge of dental practice management software Working knowledge of computers for word processing, scheduling, insurance claim and payment processing, and records management Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills Understanding of dental disease processes and how to educate patients on the consequences of not treating dental disease processes Completion of a basic life support course offered by an instructor approved by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Understanding of HIPAA policies and practices, data and information systems security measures, and OSHA regulations Key Skills Service Orientation & People Skills- The dental assistant serves as the primary contact for patients throughout the clinical experience and must have strong customer service and interpersonal skills, including: Interacting warmly and positively with patients and ensuring a positive experience while at Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry. A strong sense of empathy and listening skills, demonstrating care for and interest in our patients, the ability to listen to and respond to patient concerns The ability to put patients at ease with a reassuring and calm manner and clear and patient-friendly explanations and descriptions The ability to multi-task and handle changes and interruptions with grace and patience Educating patients on their dental problems in easy-to-understand language; getting them to accept treatment by presenting problems/solutions Team Skills- A strong, positive, and healthy team is extremely important to us at Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry. All team members must be able to: Internalize and buy into the mission and values of Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry Demonstrate growth-mindset, the desire to do their best work, and openness to feedback/coaching Demonstrate respect for individuals, cultural differences, and the attitudes and feelings of others Actively participate in all team meetings, events, and communications; support the team by sharing ideas, goals, resources, and recognition; consider the needs of the team and provide help to other team members Show dependability through job attendance/punctuality, the ability to follow through, and consistency Professional Skills- We are professionals at Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry. All team members must be able to demonstrate strong literacy skills in reading, writing, basic mathematics, speaking, technology, decision-making, and problem solving. Primary Responsibilities Clinical - Operatory and Sterilization: Maintain the cleanliness, appearance and organization of the operatories, reception area, common areas, storage, and sterilization area Prepare all necessary supplies and instruments, hand items and instruments to the dentist during the procedure, suction and provide retraction for visibility and a dry field at all times during treatment Clean and organize items used, sterilize instruments, and disinfect operatories Review patient medical history, enter updates into charts Monitor and organize supplies, track inventory, follow protocol for reordering supplies Gather diagnostic information such as photos and radiographs Take impressions and digital scans, pour up models in a timely manner Make temporary crowns, prepare for placement, adjust as needed Enter clinical information into the tooth chart, assist in entering treatment in the software and creating treatment plans Process and sterilize all equipment; clean the operatory for the next patient Anticipate the needs of the dentist, planning ahead to make sure the appointment goes smoothly Document the details of procedures in the clinical notes Ensure all handoffs run smoothly and that all relevant information is communicated following practice’s protocol Maintain the lab area, assist with lab work, prepare outgoing lab cases in a timely manner, log/track incoming and outgoing lab cases, and put away incoming cases to prepare for delivery of those cases Use downtime to assist other team members, including at the front office and in hygiene, after assistant downtime responsibilities have been completed Patient Experience: Greet and talk with patients, explain their upcoming clinical experience, and offer relevant services and items for their comfort Make patients feel welcome, answer their questions, listen for concerns Ensure each visit is moving along in a timely manner and acknowledge to patients when the team is running behind, keep them updated Provide the correct amount of social engagement with patients to make them comfortable, focus on positive and light-hearted conversation topics Provide good customer service at all times and strive to present the practice in the best possible way to the patient Know procedures for answering the phone, taking a payment, scheduling appointments, and greeting patients in order to assist your other team members Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, the dental assistant may be regularly required to: Sit for long periods of time Utilize close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus Do detailed work, using arms, hands, and fingers to feel and manipulate the required office equipment Utilize good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity Gather by hearing and correctly interpret auditory information in person and on the phone Assist with clinical office duties and move light equipment up to 25 pounds M, T, F Hours 8:15AM - 5PM