REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

The Registered Dental Assistant is a vital member of the practice and facilitates the work of the dentist and dental hygienists, ensuring dental procedures go smoothly with a high-quality of patient care.  They work with patients by performing tasks before and after the dentist meets with the patient as well as assists the dentist during certain dental procedures.  Their duties include some intra-oral care.  

CORE COMPETENCIES    

Excellent Patient Care and safety
Dental Equipment and Technology
Clinical Procedures
Oral Health Education and Promotion
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Planning and Organizing
Accountability and Dependability
Decision Making and Judgment
Ethics and Integrity
Positive Energy and Teamwork

JOB DUTIES    
The main duties of a Dental Assistant are outlined, but not limited to the below:
Greets patients, prepares patients for dental examination, assisting the dentist and hygienist during examinations and procedures
Work chair side and intra-orally within scope of practice, including; applying topical anesthetics, taking impression, application of pit and fissure sealants, fluoride application, taking extra oral photos, holding the suction, passing instruments, mixing materials, reviewing post op instructions, and medical histories, taking blood pressure and keeping patients comfortable
Collaborate with the dentist and team  
Assists in updating and maintaining patient dental chart; daily filing and preparing for the following business day
Helps ensure daily operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance, following instrument procedures to disinfect operatories, sterilize instruments and dental apparatuses
Educates patients on value and importance of proposed treatment plan prescribed by the doctor
Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health