Dental chairside assistants support dental practitioners in clinical treatments, as preparation and helping in practical execution and follow-up, and administrative tasks under supervision and following the orders of the dental practitioner.
Actively participate in the treatment procedure to retract tissue, tongue and cheek. Keep area clear and prevent saliva build-up and debris in the patient`s mouth by using a suction tip and oral evacuator, stabilising tissue and clipping sutures in oral surgery and applying force to chisel guided by dentist in the removal of impacted teeth.
Fabricate, trim and polish plaster and stone models of the mouth and teeth, working from impressions taken by a dental clinician.
Maintain the dental station or operatory area in a clean, orderly and functional condition, sorting and storing instruments, linens, medications, and other supplies, and oiling and cleaning equipment such as handpieces and cavitron.
Monitor patient's behavior during the provided dental treatment, so as to react rapidly in cases of negative reactions, under the supervision of the dental practitioner.
Pass the appropriate dental instruments to dentists as requested and in a timely manner, employing proper techniques and dexterity in passing these materials to and retrieving them from the dentist.
Correctly transport, clean and sterilise dental instruments, packing the instruments appropriately for sterilisation and storing them properly after the procedure.
Prepare dental materials such as cements, amalgam, composite, and impression materials as requested by the dentist, mixing materials for impressions and restorations and assembling syringes for anaesthesia.
Seat and drape the patient, explaining treatment procedures to patient if required.
Provide patient services post-treatment such as cleaning the patient`s face and mouth, checking the patient`s general condition, assisting patient as needed, relaying instructions on medication and other post-treatment care from the dentist.
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
Recognise and handle the fears of patients undergoing a dental treatment.
Educate patients on improving oral healthcare and preventing dental diseases, promoting brushing, flossing, and all other aspects of dental care according to the dentist`s directions and under the dentist`s supervision.
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
Work directly with dentists by following their detailed instuctions.
Create a dental chart of the patient`s mouth in order to provide information on tooth decay, cavities, missing teeth, the depths of gum pockets, abnormalities in teeth such as rotations, erosion or abrasions in the teeth or enamel, damage to teeth, or the presence of prosthetic teeth according to the dentist`s directions and under the dentist`s supervision.
Take and develop dental radiographs or x-rays for patients, by properly positioning the patient and film/image receptor to take intra- and extra-oral radiographs, applying all regulations for patient safety (shielding, operator protection, beam collimation).
Promote adherence to local, regional, national and EU Health and Safety legislation, policies, guidelines and protocols.
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
Implement a set of measures to prevent and control infections, formulating and establishing health and safety procedures and policies.
Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
No competences in this bucket.
Handle taxes, paychecks and insurance payments for the provided dental services.
Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
Execute multiple tasks at the same time, being aware of key priorities.
Record the healthcare user`s information for the billing of provided medical services.
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.
Work with technical equipment and machinery such as steam sterilisers to clean and disinfect equipment and devices.