Dental Assistant
Location: Sandringham Gardens
Purpose of the Job
A Dental Assistant is responsible for providing hands-on support to Dentists and completing prep work so they can more efficiently care for patients
Role and Responsibilities
- Meet and greet all patients with a professional manner
- Plan structured booking of all clients requiring dental appointments
- Give appointment cards to all clients when making appointments.
- See all clients in an orderly fashion as per appointment and emergency.
- Answer all telephone calls made to the department as soon as possible.
- Maintain the flow of patients through the clinic by assisting the dentists with clients.
- Set up and prepare the dental surgery for the type of patient and treatment planned before the start of each session.
- Provide dentist with the necessary equipment needed for each treatment/visit as required.
- Position clients in the appropriate way for particular treatment which is to be rendered and to ensure patient comfort.
- Assist the dentists with the correct procedure for the performance of safe dental radiography including processing and mounting.
- Highlight any relevant information the dentist may require to perform safe treatments on all clients.
- Check that patients doctor and medicine files are brought with for their appointment
- Reassure and provide all clients with the necessary information to make their visit as painless and pleasant as possible.
- Make the necessary dental materials available in order to provide an effective dental service.
- Establish an efficient link with the dental laboratory to prevent delays in the dispatch and receipt of work.
- Give immediate feedback to all team members of dental treatment plan after each session
- Give feedback to wards and direct supervisor on any negative concern
- Update inventory of dental assets monthly on register
- Motivate for new equipment with 3 supporting quotes
- Ensure inspection and maintenance of equipment is up to date as per spreadsheet
- Report equipment failures or breakages to direct supervisor.
- Take immediate action to get equipment fixed by calling dental technician.
- Check stock levels, maintain minimum and maximum stock levels and use allocated resources efficiently at all times.
- Stay within limits of authorized budget
- Refer patients to a government hospital first for specialized treatment and to ascertain waiting period.
- Get financial authorization for indigent clients before any dental procedures as per policy.
- Enter all appointments into the appointment diary immediately, on request or on referral.
- Ensure that all records are accurate and maintained for all Alpha and Omega clients
- Provide accurate daily and monthly statistical data as per organizations policy.
- Maintain a logical and accessible client database at all times
- Obtain follow up and referral letters which are required for appointments internally and externally as per policy.
- Draw up a spreadsheet for the booking of routine appointments for all residents including other facilities.
- Send out reminders to each individual/ward daily
- Submit professional registration receipt annually
- Send dosimeters in for reading.
- Undertake all mandatory training courses and maintain awareness of new developments and dental techniques.
- Give training to wards on dental hygiene
- Educate patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control and post treatment instructions.
- Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations.
- Clean and sterilize all equipment/instruments and working surfaces to the required standards at the end of each session.
- Follow all practice policies and procedures
- Follow Health and Safety codes and guidelines at all times, including when taking x-rays, disposal of sharps and clinical waste
- Know emergency procedures as per organization policy and procedure.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Relevant Dental qualification
- 1-3 years’ experience in a similar role
- Identify and report environmental risks
- Adhere to infection – control policies and procedures