Dental Assistant

Job Title: Dental Assistant

/Part-time/Casual

ROLE OVERVIEW

A dental assistant supports dental care delivery under the supervision and direction of a dental operator.

A dental assistant performs a variety of patient care, administrative and clinical duties, and often work under the direction of a dentist when examining and treating patients. The duties of a dental assistant include, however are not limited to, assisting a dental operator during procedures and check-ups, preparing instruments for dental procedures, cleaning and maintaining treatment rooms in accordance with infection control procedures, ensuring dental supplies are adequately stocked and providing support to administrative staff.

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Greet patients and prepare them for scheduled dental procedures;
- Provide assistance to the dental operator, including dentists, hygienists and therapists throughout the course of procedures including clearing the patient's mouth of saliva or dental materials used during the treatment by operating suction or other appropriate equipment.
- Prepare the treatment room as directed by the dental operator and ensure correct instruments and materials are available for use;
- Clean and sterilize the instruments prior to and after treatment;
- Clean the surgery and treatment room in accordance with the practice’s policies and procedures, including decontamination procedures for infection control;
- Provide the practice with administrative assistance, including the maintenance and re-stock of dental and office supplies;
- Prepare accounts and collect payments in accordance with the practice’s policies and procedures;
- Schedule appointments for patients and maintain detailed records of patient’s treatments; and
- Undertake reception and customer service duties, including, but not limited to, answering the telephone and carrying out general office duties.

OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Process, develop and file patient X-rays;
- Operate digital imaging equipment;
- Provide patients with any necessary pre and post-operative instructions.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- High School Certificate or equivalent and on the job training; or
- Certificate III or Certificate IV in Dental Assisting or equivalent

Required Qualifications: experience;
- A radiation license may be required in accordance with any relevant state or territory regulation.

Required Experience: N/A or insert preferred experience.
- Excellent communication ad interpersonal skills;
- Proven ability to be punctual, reliable and multi task;
- Proficiency in English;

**Required Skills**:

- Must have the right to work in Australia;
- Computer literate; and
- Excellent time management and organization skills.

COMPETENCIES
The below competencies describe some of the key outcomes that are to be achieved in the role and may be used to set the performance standards against which the employee will be assessed during their employment.

Technical Competencies

1. Patient relationship
Greeting patients and the ability to build rapport with patients.

2. Communication with Dentist and the Dental Team

Ensures effective communication with the Dentist or Operator to provide treatment and develops good working relationships with the Dental Team.

3. Treatment Preparation
Cleans and tidy the treatment room in preparation for scheduled dental procedure in line with the Practice’s infection control policies and procedures.

4. Clinical Treatment
Providing assistance to the operator during a procedure or routine check-up.

5. Decontamination and Infection Control
Ensures that infection control practices are applied.

6. Clinical records
Keeps accurate and complete clinical records and ensures records are consistent with requirements under relevant legislation.

7. Equipment maintenance
Maintains practice equipment and instruments as directed.

8. Continuing Education and Development
Participates in Continuing Education and develops professional competence.

9. Office Administration
When required assists office staff in the execution of their duties.

Personal Competencies

1. Attention to Detail
Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy at all times.

2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrates the ability to professionally interact with individuals in all areas of work.

3. Cooperation and Team Work
The ability to work with others toward shared goals of the Dental Team. Establishes collaborative relationships with others in the practice.

4. Direction
Accepts the clinical direction of the Dentist or operator.

5. Listening Skills
Demonstrates active listening skills and gives complete attention to what patients and colleagues are saying. Asking appropriate questions and taking time to understand recommendations and points made by others.

6. Critical Thinking Skills
Demonstrates the ability to think critically using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or differing ap