Lead Dental Assistant

SUMMARY
The role of the Lead Dental Assistant is to support the efficient operation of the Dental Clinic by overseeing the scheduling and work processes of dental assistants. Operating under the supervision of the Dental Director the Lead Dental Assistant ensures that routine Dental Assistant tasks are performed correctly and efficiently. He/she also assists in the performance of dental and radiography procedures prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies in accordance with established protocol procedures policies and standards and assists in the coordination of day-to-day patient administration records management and office support activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job provides general oversight for Dental Assistants at the downtown and beaches locations. The Lead Dental Assistant may provide input into the performance evaluations of assigned Dental Assistants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversees/supervises all dental assistants including identifying training needs and arranging for training implementation in conjunction with the Dental Director
Regularly reviews work processes of dental assistants and provides recommendations for improvements as needed
Provides chair side assistance to dentists and/or dental hygienists in the performance of dental procedures.
Prepares sterilizes organizes and sets up dental equipment; ensures that all dental instruments are cleaned and processed according to established clinic standards.
Maintains dental equipment such as compressors evacuator systems radiographic developing equipment and sterilizers in accordance with manufacturers guidelines.
Exposes dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders.
Orders and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies.
Interacts with and processes dental clinic patients; schedules appointments performs telephone triage and conducts patient interviews.
Creates and maintains dental records in accordance with established procedures.
Follows and maintains all relevant federal state and institutional regulations guidelines policies and standards for the provision of dental clinical services.
Participates in all appropriate team meetings and required training sessions
Participates in other clinical or administrative projects as assigned by the Director Dental Services

RESIDENT GUEST AND INTERNAL CUSTOMER FOCUS
The Lead Dental Assistant is sensitive to cultural spiritual and practical needs of resident families guests and staff members in all interactions. He/she provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by patients residents families and coworkers and adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. The Lead Assistant reports and/or corrects problems related to safety cleanliness and comfort of resident patient and work areas and follows Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques. He/she demonstrates an understanding of their role in facility safety plans and procedures related to fire weather and other disasters.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or GED
Certified Dental Assistant
Minimum of 5 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified
Current knowledge of and ability to follow a full range of dental clinical procedures.
Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment.
Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.
Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
Knowledge of supplies equipment and/or services ordering and inventory control.
Knowledge of Federal State and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
Ability to operate maintain and troubleshoot a wide range of dental equipment in accordance with prescribed procedures and standards.
Knowledge of radiation safety procedures standards and protocols.
Excellent communication organization and time management skills
Ability to develop and process dental radiographs.
Knowledge of sterile procedures.
Ability to pass a Level II Background Screening