Dr Craig Turner
DENTAL ASSISTANT - JOB
DESCRIPTION
JOB DESCRIPTION
Employee:
Job Title: Dental Assistant
Job Type: Full time/part time/casual
42a McKimms Chambers, Cnr of Hercules St and Liverpool
Department/Location:
Road, Ashfield 2131
Manager/Supervisor: Dr Craig Turner
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 works 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 when required.
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 when required, including
the maintenance of dental supplies and informing the Practice Manager
about necessary dental supplies that need to be ordered.
OTHER DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
● Process, develop and file patient X-rays;
● Operate digital imaging equipment;
● Provide patients with any necessary pre and post-operative instructions when
required by the dentist
● Light cleaning – mopping the floors and vacuuming if required
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
● High School Certificate or equivalent and on the job
training; or
Required
Qualifications: ● Certificate III or Certificate IV in Dental Assisting or
equivalent experience;
Required Experience: 1 year
● Excellent communication and 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 Teamwork
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
approaches to problem solving.
7. Patient Care
Provide care to all patients using an individualized approach that is
comprehensive, compassionate, culturally sensitive and caring.
8. Professionalism and Work Ethic
Demonstrates a strong work ethic by placing a high value on performing work
diligently, as well as respecting others and functioning with integrity.
