Dental Assistant

Role Overview

This chairside dental role supports restorative and oral surgical treatment by preparing the clinical space, assisting the dentist during procedures, and helping patients understand their aftercare. It combines hands-on treatment support with record keeping, infection control, and emergency readiness, so the dentist can work efficiently and safely. The position matters because it helps maintain smooth outpatient procedure flow, shorter patient turnaround times, lower revisit rates, and consistent compliance with standard operating procedures and protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, maintain, and break down the dental treatment area for restorative and oral surgery appointments, anticipating the instruments, materials, and equipment the dentist will need.
• Assist the dentist at chairside during treatment, including passing instruments, managing suction, supporting patient positioning, and responding to clinical needs as directed.
• Select, measure, mix, and place dental materials on instruments or in the patient’s mouth according to the dentist’s instructions and clinical protocols.
• Maintain a sterile, tidy, and safe working environment by cleaning, disinfecting, sterilising, and organising instruments, surfaces, and clinical waste in line with current infection-control procedures.
• Document dental care services, laboratory procedures, follow-up results, and treatment information accurately in patient records.
• Provide postoperative instructions and reinforce dental hygiene, oral health care, and plaque-control guidance as directed by the dentist.
• Help manage dental and medical emergencies by keeping CPR certification current and ensuring emergency drugs and oxygen supplies are available and checked.
• Track laboratory cases from submission through return, follow up on results, and record outcomes in the patient’s file.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma in Community Oral Health.
• 0 to 2 years of experience working in a dental clinic.
• Current CPR certification and readiness to maintain it for emergency response.
• Continuous professional development (CPD) as required for the role.
• Strong communication skills and a service-oriented approach to patients and colleagues.
• Problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making abilities in a clinical setting.
• Ability to remain calm, accurate, and effective under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail, especially with instruments, materials, patient records, and infection-control standards.