Dental Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of a licensed Dentist, the Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance during dental procedures, supports patient care, performs authorized clinical duties, maintains infection control standards, and assists with administrative and office operations to ensure efficient and high-quality dental services.

Essential Functions

The following duties are fundamental to the position:

(Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following):

Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures

Take dental impressions as instructed by the Dentist

Expose dental radiographs in accordance with California Dental Board radiation safety requirements

Assist in the fabrication of provisional restorations as permitted by California law

Clean and polish removable appliances

Perform coronal polishing of teeth when certified through a Dental Board of California-approved Coronal Polishing course and authorized by the supervising dentist

Document and chart findings, treatment plans and progress notes for provider approval

Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs

Maintains and enhances competency through in-services, staff meetings and educational programs.

Use masks, gloves and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases

Monitor dental supply inventory and submit purchase orders for approval

Patient reception and dismissal

Appointment book control and maintain recall system

Block out times for reserved emergencies and new appointments

Ability to interpret Material Safety Data Sheets

Maintaining and controlling business area

Patient follow-up treatment calls

Incoming mail, invoices, packing slips and statements (forward to appropriate person for verification and/or payment)

Maintaining file system

Ordering and receiving supplies

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent. Graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting program preferred but not required

Dental Board of California-approved Coronal Polishing course certification preferred

Experience:

2 years of Dental Assisting preferred

Ability to work under Direct Supervision of a Dentist and perform work in accordance with the CA Dental Board regulations for Dental Assistants (see attached list page 3-5)

Knowledge of:

Dental assisting procedures and practices

Infection control, HIPAA, and PPE requirements

Medical and dental terminology

Customer service and patient care

Microsoft Office, Outlook, and dental software (NextGen)

Ability to:

Oral and written communication

Attention to detail and problem-solving

Finger dexterity and hand steadiness

Ability to follow instructions and work under direct supervision

Ability to prioritize tasks and maintain accurate records

Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork abilities

Skills:

Chairside dental assisting

Active listening and communication

Time management and organization

Patient education and customer service

Recordkeeping and documentation

Critical thinking and decision-making

Competencies

In addition to Peach Tree Healthcare’s company values, this role will be assessed on the following competencies:

Clinical Excellence & Patient Care

Consistently provides high-quality chairside assistance, prepares patients and treatment areas, performs authorized clinical procedures, delivers patient education, and ensures a safe, comfortable, and positive patient experience throughout the course of care.

Infection Prevention & Regulatory Compliance

Maintains a safe and compliant clinical environment by adhering to infection control standards, sterilization protocols, PPE requirements, patient confidentiality regulations, and all applicable dental and workplace safety guidelines.

Documentation & Administrative Effectiveness

Accurately manages patient records, appointment scheduling, follow-up activities, inventory control, and administrative processes while effectively utilizing electronic health records and office systems to support efficient clinic operations

Communication & Service Orientation

Builds positive relationships with patients, providers, and team members through professional communication, active listening, patient education, responsiveness, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Organization, Accountability & Problem Solving

Demonstrates reliability, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, proactively address challenges, and consistently deliver accurate and timely results in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Key Performance Indicators

Metrics used to measure the employee's success in meeting job responsibilities, departmental goals, operational standards, and organizational objectives. Performance is evaluated based on the achievement of established KPIs relevant to the position.

Tools, Technology, and Equipment: The following tools and equipment are commonly used to perform the essential functions of this position. The tools and equipment listed are representative of those used in this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to use required tools and perform essential functions.

Tools

Dental instruments (forceps, pliers, hand instruments)

Dental handpieces and accessories

Rubber dam supplies (clamps, forceps)

Impression trays and materials

Technology

NextGen Electronic Health Record (EHR) system

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Outlook

Standard office and dental practice software

Equipment

Dental X-ray equipment

Autoclave/sterilization equipment

Computers and keyboards

Telephones

Scanners

Copiers

Fax machines

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety glasses

Working Conditions

All employees are required to take meal and rest breaks according to California State Law and company policy.

Clinical dental office environment

Frequent interaction with patients, dental providers, and staff

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials; adherence to infection control and PPE requirements

Prolonged standing, walking, bending, and reaching

Requires manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for dental procedures

Use of dental instruments, X-ray equipment, and office technology

May occasionally travel to other clinic locations for meetings or training, including occasional overnight travel

Fast-paced environment requiring multitasking and prioritization of patient care and administrative duties

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation will be considered to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and sitting

Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling dental instruments and equipment

Ability to use fine motor skills for precise clinical procedures

Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of supplies and equipment (up to 25 pounds)

Ability to maintain arm-hand steadiness and control precision

Near vision and attention to detail required for patient care and documentation

Clear speech, hearing, and communication abilities

Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

EEO Statement

Peach Tree Healthcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to employees with sincerely held religious beliefs.

“N” = means that the assistant is NOT permitted to perform the duty

“D” = means that the assistant may perform the duty under the Direct supervision of a dentist, which means supervision of dental procedures based on instructions given by a licensed dentist who must be physically present in the treatment facility during the performance of those procedures. The duty must be performed pursuant to the order, control and full professional responsibility of the supervising dentist. Such procedures must be checked and approved by the supervising dentist prior to dismissal of the patient from the office of said dentist.

“G” = means that the assistant can perform the duty under the General supervision of a dentist, which means based on instructions given by a licensed dentist, but not requiring the physical presence of the supervising dentist during the performance of those procedures.

“DD”= The supervising licensed dentist shall be responsible for determining whether each authorized procedure performed by a registered dental assistant should be performed under general or direct supervision, except as provided in Section 1777.

Duty

DA

RDA

After adjustment by the dentist, examine and seat removable orthodontic appliances and deliver care instructions to the patient.

D

DD

Application of pit and fissure sealants. (Must complete course prior to performing function).

N

DD

Apply and activate bleaching agents using a nonlaser light-curing device.

N

DD

Apply nonaerosol and noncaustic topical agents.

D

DD

Apply topical fluoride. (May operate under general supervision when operating in a school-based setting or government run public health program, see section 1750.1(c))

D

DD

Assist in the administration of nitrous oxide when used for analgesia or sedation. A dental assistant shall not start the administration of the gases and shall not adjust the flow of the gases unless instructed to do so by the supervising licensed dentist who shall be present at the patient's chairside during the implementation of these instructions. This paragraph shall not be construed to prevent any person from taking appropriate action in the event of a medical emergency.

D

DD

Chemically prepare teeth for bonding.

N

DD

Dry endodontically treated canals using absorbent paper points.

N

DD

Examine orthodontic appliances.

D

DD

Extra-oral duties or procedures specified by the supervising licensed dentist provided that these duties or procedures meet the definition of a basic supportive procedure specified in Section 1750.

G

G

Fabricate, adjust, cement, and remove indirect provisional restorations, including stainless steel crowns when used as a provisional restoration.

N

DD

Fit trial endodontic filling points. (Licensed on or before January 1, 2010.)

N

N

Formulate indirect patterns for endodontic post and core castings. (Licensed on or before January 1, 2010.)

N

N

Conduct preliminary evaluation of the patient's oral health, including, but not limited to, charting, intraoral and extra-oral evaluation of soft tissue, classifying occlusion, and myofunctional evaluation. (Licensed after 1/1/10 or completed additional course and examination after 1/1/10.)

N

N

Cord retraction of gingiva for impression procedures

N

N

Cure restorative or orthodontic materials in operative site with a light-curing device.

D

DD

Drug identification and draw, limited to identification of appropriate medications, ampule and vial preparation, and withdrawing drugs of correct amount as verified by the supervising licensed dentist.

N

N

Monitor patient sedation, limited to reading and transmitting information from the monitor display during the intraoperative phase of surgery for electrocardiogram waveform, carbon dioxide and end tidal carbon dioxide concentrations, respiratory cycle data, continuous noninvasive blood pressure data, or pulse arterial oxygen saturation measurements, for the purpose of interpretation and evaluation by a supervising licensed dentist who shall be at the patient's chairside during this procedure.

D

DD

Monitor patients undergoing conscious sedation or general anesthesia utilizing data from noninvasive instrumentation such as pulse oximeters, electrocardiograms, capnography, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate monitoring devices. Evaluation of the condition of a sedated patient shall remain the responsibility of the dentist or other licensed health care professional authorized to administer conscious sedation or general anesthesia, who shall be at the patient's chairside while conscious sedation or general anesthesia is being administered.

N

N

Mouth-mirror inspection of the oral cavity, to include charting of obvious lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.

N

DD

Obtain intraoral images for computer-aided design (CAD), milled restorations.

N

DD

Operate dental radiography equipment for the purpose of oral radiography if the dental assistant has complied with the requirements of Section 1656.

G

G

Perform intraoral and extraoral photography.

G

G

Perform measurements for the purposes of orthodontic treatment.

D

DD

Perform oral health assessments in school-based, community health project settings under the direction of a dentist, registered dental hygienist, or registered dental hygienist in alternative practice. (Licensed after 1/1/10 or completed additional course and examination after 1/1/10.)

N

N

Duty

DA

RDA

Place and ligate arch wires.

N

N

Place and remove orthodontic separators.

D

DD

Place and remove rubber dams or other isolation devices.

D

DD

Place bases, liners, and bonding agents.

N

DD

Place ligature ties and arch wires.

N

DD

Place patient monitoring sensors.

D

DD

Place periodontal dressings.

N

DD

Place post-extraction dressings after inspection of the surgical site by the supervising licensed dentist.

N

DD

Place, adjust and finish direct provisional restorations.

N

DD

Place, contour, finish, and adjust all direct restorations. (Licensed after 1/1/10 or completed additional course and examination after 1/1/10.)

N

N

Place, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative procedures.

D

DD

Polish and contour existing amalgam restorations. (Licensed after 1/1/10 or completed additional course and examination after 1/1/10.)

N

N

Polish coronal surfaces of the teeth. (DA may perform upon successful completion of a Dental Board of California-approved Coronal Polishing course and in accordance with applicable supervision requirements)

D

DD

Prepare teeth for bonding, and select, preposition, and cure orthodontic brackets after their position has been approved by the supervising licensed dentist.

N

N

Pulp vitality testing and recording of findings.

N

DD

Removal of intravenous lines.

N

N

Remove excess cement from surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument.

N

DD

Remove excess cement with an ultrasonic scaler from supragingival surfaces of teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment. (RDAs and RDAEFs must have completed a board-approved registered dental assistant educational program or course in these duties.)

N

D

Remove excess cement from subgingival tooth surfaces with a hand instrument.

N

N

(Licensed on or before January 1, 2010.)

Remove ligature ties and arch wires.

D

DD

Remove only orthodontic brackets and attachments with removal of the bonding material by the supervising licensed dentist.

N

N

Remove orthodontic bands and remove excess cement form supragingival surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument.

N

N

Remove orthodontic bands.

N

DD

Remove periodontal dressings.

D

DD

Remove post-extraction dressings after inspection of the surgical site by the supervising licensed dentist.

D

DD

Remove sutures after inspection of the site by the dentist.

D

DD

Size and fit endodontic master points and accessory points. (Licensed on or after 1/1/10.)

N

N

Size, fit, and cement orthodontic bands.

N

N

Take facebow transfers and bite registrations.

D

DD

Take final impressions for permanent indirect restorations.

N

N

Take final impressions for tooth-borne removable prosthesis. (Licensed after 1/1/10 or completed additional course and examination after 1/1/10.)

N

N

Take intraoral impressions for all nonprosthodontic appliances.

D

DD

Use of automated caries detection devices and materials to gather information for diagnosis by the dentist.

N

DD