Hygiene Assistant

Job purpose
Dental assistants greatly increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral
health care and are valuable members of the dental care team.

Duties and responsibilities
Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
Preparing examination and surgical rooms by sterilizing instruments and moving
equipment into place
Preventing the spread of infection and disease by maintaining a surgically clean work
environment
Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
Providing patients with instructions for oral care following treatment
Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;
(e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
Create, send and track lab cases
Monitor, order and maintain budget for dental supplies
Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer
Assisting in updating and maintaining client dental records / charts
Maintaining equipment and coordinating any necessary repairs
Asking about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse as
needed
Providing support to dentists and other staff as needed
Maintaining OSHA and HIPPA compliance

Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Oklahoma state dental assistant license required
Expanded functions preferred
o Radiation
o Coronal Polishing / Topical Fluoride
o Sealants
o Nitrous Oxide
o Parenteral / Pediatric Anesthesia
o Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Working conditions
Dental practices run at a fast pace and dental assistants will be required to keep up with the flow
of doctors and patients.

Physical requirements
Dental Assistants will be required to:
Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Repeat the same movements.
Bend or twist their body.
Sit for long periods of time.
Stand for long periods of time.
Lifting up to 50 pounds

Reports to ADO / Office Manager

Direct reports
None.