Dental Assistant

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers; Manurewa; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers is seeking a dental nurse/assistant to join our clinic in New Zealand. The role provides chair-side clinical support, handles stock and equipment, and upholds cross-infection standards in a busy practice.

You will assist the dentist during procedures, manage instruments, chart patient records, and ensure smooth day-to-day clinic operations including payments and communications with patients.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials, supplies, equipment and instruments for clinic and set up the surgery with correct instruments, equipment, records, materials and supplies immediately prior to each appointment
• Maintain full responsibility for the cleanliness of the assigned surgery
• Provide dental chair-side assistance to the dentist and patient throughout the entire appointment
• Follow the dentist's procedure for positioning the patient, equipment, and materials, follow the dentist's instructions, and anticipate needs during the procedure
• Accurately complete dental recording and charting as per the dentist's instructions
• Wash hands before and after each patient and use fresh gloves for each patient
• Clean, sterilize, and set up instruments and equipment ready for use according to the practice's cross infection control procedures
• Dispose of used supplies safely and clean and disinfect the primary and secondary work zones of the dental surgery between patients
• At the end of the day clean the surgery, complete chair maintenance, close and lock windows and blinds, turn off equipment and lock the practice
• Reorder dental materials and supplies within the guidelines of the practice to maintain adequate stocks
• Maintain a neat and tidy appearance, keep hair below the collar tied back, and ensure jewellery does not hinder cross infection control procedures
• Maintain positive interaction at all times with patients, families, staff and all people who interact with the practice in person or over the phone
• Undertake other appropriate tasks delegated by the dentist
• Attend seminars, staff meetings and training as required
• Deal with all incoming telephone calls efficiently and courteously and provide accurate information to patients or callers
• Check and clear the answer phone frequently
• Invoice patients for treatment after each appointment as instructed by the dentist
• Receive payments and store receipts in Cash Box after each appointment
• Follow up overdue accounts and late payments fortnightly
• Understand ACC, Oral Health Contract, Ministry of Health and other government subsidies and process such subsidies with normal Practice procedures
• Arrange and receive courier dispatches and deliveries

Job description

The main purpose of this job is to ensure a safe and efficient environment for patients receiving dental care. You will provide chair-side clinical assistance to the dentist when performing dental procedures, be responsible for dental surgery equipment and stock, ensure cross infection standards are met, maintain professional personal conduct at all times, and assist with general office tasks.

Key responsibilities

Prepare materials, supplies, equipment and instruments for clinic and set up the surgery with correct instruments, equipment, records, materials and supplies immediately prior to each appointment

Maintain full responsibility for the cleanliness of the assigned surgery

Provide dental chair-side assistance to the dentist and patient throughout the entire appointment

Follow the dentist's procedure for positioning the patient, equipment, and materials, follow the dentist's instructions, and anticipate needs during the procedure

Accurately complete dental recording and charting as per the dentist's instructions

Wash hands before and after each patient and use fresh gloves for each patient

Clean, sterilize, and set up instruments and equipment ready for use according to the practice's cross infection control procedures

Dispose of used supplies safely and clean and disinfect the primary and secondary work zones of the dental surgery between patients

At the end of the day clean the surgery, complete chair maintenance, close and lock windows and blinds, turn off equipment and lock the practice

Reorder dental materials and supplies within the guidelines of the practice to maintain adequate stocks

Maintain a neat and tidy appearance, keep hair below the collar tied back, and ensure jewellery does not hinder cross infection control procedures

Maintain positive interaction at all times with patients, families, staff and all people who interact with the practice in person or over the phone

Undertake other appropriate tasks delegated by the dentist

Attend seminars, staff meetings and training as required

Deal with all incoming telephone calls efficiently and courteously and provide accurate information to patients or callers

Check and clear the answer phone frequently

Invoice patients for treatment after each appointment as instructed by the dentist

Receive payments and store receipts in Cash Box after each appointment

Follow up overdue accounts and late payments fortnightly

Understand ACC, Oral Health Contract, Ministry of Health and other government subsidies and process such subsidies with normal Practice procedures

Arrange and receive courier dispatches and deliveries

Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
• How many years' experience do you have as a dental nurse or assistant?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?