Pediatric Dental Assistant Job in Houston, Texas

(Job ID: 536717)

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Description

SUMMARY A LEAD pediatric dental assistant plays a critical role in supporting the pediatric dentist and team of OPPD during dental procedures while ensuring a positive and comfortable experience for young patients. Responsibilities go beyond just assisting in clinical procedures; this position also helps to maintain the overall smooth operation of the dental office, offer education to both patients and their families, and contribute to patient care in a variety of ways. LEAD dental assistant is entrusted in maintaining an efficiently run system in the back office. Must have strong leadership skills and experience in leading a team successfully. ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following: Patient Preparation and Comfort •Welcoming Patients: greet young patients and their families, helping to alleviate any anxiety by creating a friendly, comforting atmosphere. •Preparing Children for Procedures: explain upcoming procedures in a child-friendly manner, ensuring the child understands what will happen next, which can help reduce fear and anxiety. •Comforting Children: Assisting children to relax in the dental chair, making sure they feel safe and comfortable. This might include offering a favorite toy, blanket, or simply talking to the child in a calm and reassuring manner. Assisting the Dentist •Chairside Assistance: work directly with the dentist, passing instruments, adjusting lights, and keeping the patient’s mouth dry using suction or gauze during various dental procedures (fillings, cleanings, sealants, crowns, etc.). •Instrument Management: ensure all necessary tools and instruments are prepared and sterilized, providing the dentist with the right tools at the right time. •Handling X-rays: take dental radiographs (X-rays) of the child's teeth, ensuring the images are clear and of high quality for the dentist to review. •Assisting with Procedures: help with tasks such as applying fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and sometimes taking impressions for dental molds. Sterilization and Infection Control •Sterilizing Equipment: cleaning and sterilizing dental instruments according to strict guidelines to ensure patient safety. •Maintaining a Clean Environment: disinfect surfaces, dental chairs, and other areas of the treatment room to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a hygienic environment Administrative Tasks •Scheduling Appointments: may assist in scheduling follow-up appointments, coordinating with patients and families, and ensuring that appointment times are available for subsequent treatments. •Patient Records: may help update or maintain patient records, ensuring that relevant information such as treatment plans, allergies, and medical history is up to date. • Billing and Insurance: may help prepare billing statements, communicate with insurance providers, and ensure that claims are processed correctly. Patient Education and Communication •Explaining Oral Hygiene: educate children and their parents about proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing techniques, flossing, the importance of limiting sugary snacks, and when to see a dentist for routine checkups. •Behavioral Management: help parents and children understand how to manage dental anxiety or fear, providing tips on how to maintain calm and ease during visits. Child-Centered Approach •Using Child-Friendly Language: must be skilled at using terminology and explanations that are easy for children to understand, helping them feel more at ease during their dental visits. •Understanding Developmental Stages: must be aware of a child’s developmental stages and adjust their approach accordingly. For example, young children might require a different approach than older children or teenagers. •Behavioral Management: Sometimes, children may be anxious, afraid, or uncooperative during dental visits. Helps manage these situations using distraction techniques, gentle guidance, and sometimes even rewards for positive behavior. Assist in Emergency Situations •Handling Dental Emergencies: assist in emergency situations, such as when a child has a knocked-out tooth or a severe toothache. May help control bleeding, apply bandages, or prepare necessary tools to assist the dentist in handling the emergency. •First Aid: be trained in basic first aid and CPR to be able to assist in case of medical emergencies during dental procedures. •MUST have coronal polishing and sealant pit and fissure certifications Equipment Maintenance and Inventory • Inventory Management: help ensure the office is well-stocked with necessary supplies, including dental materials, gloves, masks, and other equipment. This involves tracking inventory, ordering supplies when needed, and maintaining stock levels to avoid any shortages. •Troubleshooting Equipment: ensure that dental equipment functions properly, performing basic maintenance or troubleshooting when necessary. Promoting a Positive Experience •Creating a Positive Environment: have a friendly, caring, and empathetic approach to help create an atmosphere where children feel safe and welcome. This can help foster a positive attitude toward dental visits, which is crucial for their future oral health. •Building Rapport with Children: Building a trusting relationship with patients is key in pediatric dentistry. Dental assistants often spend significant time with the children, so their ability to engage in a fun, calming, and supportive manner is essential. Team Collaboration •Collaborate closely with the dental team to ensure efficient patient care and assist in other office-related tasks, as necessary.