Role summary
Rhode Island Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists in preparing treatment rooms, assisting during procedures, and maintaining a clean clinical environment. This role is crucial for delivering high-quality patient care, ensuring efficient clinical workflows, and upholding safety and infection control standards. Responsibilities include patient preparation, chairside assistance, instrument sterilization, taking X-rays, managing patient records, educating patients on oral hygiene, equipment maintenance, supply management, and ensuring compliance with HIPAA and OSHA standards. A minimum of one year of experience and active RDA certification are preferred, along with strong communication and organizational skills.
The Dental Assistant plays a vital role in supporting dentists by preparing treatment rooms, assisting during procedures, and maintaining a clean, organized clinical environment. This position is essential to deliver high-quality patient care, supporting efficient clinical workflows, and ensuring compliance with safety and infection control standards.
Essential Responsibilities:
Prepare patients for dental treatment, ensuring comfort and readiness for procedures.
Assist the dentist chairside during examinations and dental procedures.
Maintain infection control standards by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up operatories, and preparing materials.
Take and process dental X-rays as prescribed, following safety protocols and certification requirements.
Collect and record patient medical and dental histories, vital signs, and treatment information in patient records.
Educate patients on oral hygiene, oral health care, and plaque control as directed by the dentist.
Provide post-operative instructions and patient care guidance as instructed.
Assist with managing medical and dental emergencies when necessary.
Form preliminary impressions for study models and assist with fabricating temporary restorations, when permitted by state regulations.
Protect, maintain, and monitor dental equipment and tools to ensure proper functionality.
Order dental supplies and assist with inventory management.
Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and all required training and safety standards.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support daily operations and evolving practice needs.
Team members are expected to uphold the culture outlined in the SDB Handbook, with a focus on our core values and any additional responsibilities as defined Qualifications & Experience:
Minimum of one year of dental assisting experience preferred.
Active RDA certification or license (requirements vary by state)
Strong understanding of dental terminology and clinical procedures.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a patient centered approach.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
Ability to work effectively with patients and as part of a collaborative dental team.
Reliable and punctual, with flexibility to support team needs as required.
