ROLES & DUTIES

Roles of Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs):

As Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs), your roles and responsibilities are essential in ensuring the smooth operation of our dental office and providing high-quality patient care. Here are the general expectations associated with each RDA title:

1. Chairside:

· Assist the dentist during patient procedures by handing instruments, maintaining a clear operating field, and anticipating the dentist's needs.

· Ensure the comfort and safety of patients during treatments.

· Take and process dental X-rays as instructed by the dentist.

· Perform dental charting and documentation accurately.

· Educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques and post-treatment care instructions.

2. Sterilization:

· Perform thorough cleaning and sanitizing of dental instruments, equipment, and treatment areas to maintain a sterile environment.

· Follow proper infection control protocols and maintain compliance with sterilization guidelines.

· Package, label, and sterilize dental instruments and equipment according to established procedures.

· Maintain inventory of supplies, restocking as needed, and ensuring their proper storage.

· Assist in the fabrication of dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, under the direction of the dentist or dental lab technician.

· Prepare dental impressions and models for laboratory work.

· Perform basic lab procedures, including pouring and trimming models, and fabricating temporary restorations.

· Clean and maintain lab equipment, ensuring a clean and organized work environment.

Daily Duties:

· As part of the daily routine, RDAs are responsible for shutting down equipment, cleaning assigned chairs/stations, and setting up for the next day's appointments.

· Ensure that all dental instruments used during the day are properly cleaned, sanitized, and prepared for the following day's use.

· Clean and maintain the lab area, ensuring proper sanitation and organization.

Weekly Equipment Maintenance:

· Utilize non-doctor/slow days for conducting weekly maintenance on dental equipment.

· Follow the equipment maintenance protocols specified by the manufacturer and the office to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

· Perform routine inspections, cleaning, and calibration of equipment to identify and address any potential issues promptly.

It is essential for RDAs to adhere to infection control protocols, maintain a clean and organized work environment, and communicate effectively with the dental team to ensure seamless patient care.

If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on your role or responsibilities as an RDA, please consult your supervisor or the designated dental office manager.

Roles of Front Office Staff

Front office staff play a vital role in ensuring smooth operations and providing a positive experience for our patients. Here are the general expectations and responsibilities associated with the front office staff:

1. Answering Phones:

· Respond promptly and courteously to incoming phone calls, addressing patient inquiries, scheduling appointments, and providing necessary information.

· Use professional and empathetic communication skills to effectively assist patients and handle any concerns or issues.

2. Greeting Patients:

· Welcome patients with a friendly and professional demeanor, ensuring a positive first impression.

· Verify patient information, update necessary paperwork, and assist with filling out forms.

· Provide clear directions and instructions regarding check-in procedures and wait times.

3. Appointment Scheduling and Check-in/out:

· Manage the appointment schedule efficiently, ensuring accuracy and avoiding conflicts or double bookings.

· Check-in patients upon their arrival, verify and update their personal and insurance information, and assist in completing any necessary paperwork.

· Efficiently check-out patients, collect payment, schedule follow-up appointments, and provide any required documentation or instructions.

4. End of Day Duties:

· Ensure that all front office equipment, including computers, printers, telephones, and lights, are properly turned off.

· Verify that all doors, including entrance and exit doors, are securely locked at the end of the day to maintain the safety and security of the office.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Maintain a clean and organized front desk area, including the waiting room and reception area.

· Manage patient records and confidential information with the utmost discretion and compliance with privacy regulations.

· Assist with insurance verification, billing, and processing financial transactions accurately.

· Provide exceptional customer service, addressing patient inquiries or concerns in a professional and timely manner.

Front office staff serve as the face of our dental office, creating a welcoming and efficient environment for patients. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and friendly demeanor contribute to a positive patient experience.

Thank you for your dedication to fulfilling these roles, ensuring smooth operations, and creating a positive impression for our patients.