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POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant, under the direction of the Director of Dental Services and supervising Dentist, provides chairside clinical support, prepares patients for treatment, and ensures efficient dental operatory workflow. This role is critical to maintaining provider productivity, patient flow, and compliance with clinical and regulatory standards. The Dental Assistant supports all aspects of the Dental Program including patient care, sterilization, documentation, and coordination within the Athena system.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Support

  • Prepares patients for dental procedures including reviewing medical history and documenting chief complaint. 
  • Assists Dentist chairside during examinations and procedures. 
  • Performs radiographs (X-rays) in accordance with state regulations. 
  • Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment following OSHA/CDC guidelines. 
  • Maintains dental operatories to ensure readiness and efficiency. 
  • Assists with impressions, sealants, fluoride application, and basic procedures as allowed by scope. 

Patient Care & Flow

  • Escorts patients to treatment rooms and ensures comfort. 
  • Reinforces patient education on oral hygiene and post-procedure care. 
  • Supports timely patient turnover to maximize provider productivity. 

Inventory & Equipment

  • Maintains supply inventory and restocks operatories. 
  • Reports equipment issues and ensures preventative maintenance compliance. 

Athena Workflow Responsibilities

  • Documents clinical support activities in Athena in real time. 
  • Ensures procedures are tied to correct CDT codes for billing accuracy. 
  • Assists providers in completing encounters for same-day claim submission. 
  • Flags incomplete documentation or missing charges before patient checkout. 

Compliance & Quality

  • Adheres to infection control standards and safety protocols. 
  • Participates in quality improvement and productivity initiatives. 
  • Supports HRSA and UDS documentation requirements. 

 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • None 

 

RELATIONSHIP WITH DIRECTOR OF DENTAL SERVICES

  • Provides operational and clinical feedback to improve workflows. 
  • Supports productivity and efficiency targets. 

 

COMPETENCIES

  • Strong clinical support skills and attention to detail 
  • Ability to work in fast-paced clinical environment 
  • Team-oriented mindset 
  • Knowledge of dental procedures and terminology 
  • Strong organizational and multitasking ability 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Dental assisting techniques and procedures 
  • Infection control and sterilization 
  • Patient communication 
  • Basic understanding of dental billing workflows 

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Dental Assistant certification preferred 
  • Radiology certification (required per SC regulations) 
  • Minimum 1–2 years dental experience preferred 
  • CPR/BLS certification required 
  • Familiarity with Athena or similar EHR preferred 

 

JOB CHARACTERISTICS

  • Standing for extended periods 
  • Exposure to clinical environment 
  • Flexible hours 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Manual dexterity required 
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds 

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Manual dexterity required 
  • Ability to lift up to 20 pounds