Dental World Job Description – Lead Dental Assistant
Location: Dental World of Miami, 40 SW 13th ST, Suite 801, Miami, FL 33130
Job Overview: Our dental office is seeking an interpersonal, knowledgeable, motivated, and reliable Lead Dental Assistant to join our multi-specialty practice. Reporting directly to the Dentists, this role is responsible for both hands-on patient care and guiding the dental assistant team. The Lead Dental Assistant plays a key role in ensuring that treatment rooms are prepared, procedures run smoothly, and patients receive an exceptional experience. In addition, this position serves as a bridge between the clinical team and the administrative team, supporting the Dentists in collaborating closely with the Office Manager to ensure that clinical quality and patient care remain top priorities while supporting practice initiatives and operational improvements.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Care & Clinical Support:
· Greet patients upon arrival and escort them to treatment rooms.
· Obtain and review health histories according to office protocol.
· Seat patients comfortably and show care and concern throughout their visit.
· Set up treatment rooms and prepare trays, instruments, and dental materials for procedures.
· Anticipate and assist the dentist’s needs during treatment.
· Perform expanded functions and clinical procedures as permitted by the practice act.
· Mix dental materials and assist in clinical procedures as directed by the dentist.
· Provide clear instructions and demonstrations to patients when needed.
· Ensure patients’ questions are answered thoroughly before they leave.
· Escort patients from the treatment room after procedures.
· Notify Treatment Coordinator if a patient should be called in the evening after a difficult appointment.
· Maintain accurate patient charts, treatment notes, and records, including documenting services rendered and charges.
Clinical Leadership & Team Oversight:
- Lead by example in delivering excellent patient care and maintaining high clinical standards.
- Serve as the primary resource for the dental assistant team, offering guidance, training, and support as needed.
- Help onboard and mentor new assistants to ensure consistency in workflows and patient care.
- Coordinate with the Office Manager and administrative team to align clinical operations with practice initiatives and changes, while keeping patient care the top priority.
- Support the dentists by ensuring assistants are prepared, organized, and working efficiently.
- Provide feedback to management on workflow improvements, supply needs, and opportunities to enhance the patient experience.
Treatment Room & Infection Control:
- Oversee cleanliness and readiness of all treatment rooms, ensuring they are stocked, organized, and prepared for patient care.
- Ensure infection control protocols are followed, including sterilizing instruments, disinfecting rooms, and maintaining OSHA/HIPAA compliance.
- Confirm sterilization and safety documentation is complete and on display.
Laboratory & Case Management:
- Supervise lab case flow, ensuring cases are sent promptly, tracked accurately, and returned in time for patient care.
- Monitor and coordinate referrals to and from specialists.
- Arrange patient charts and radiographs for the next day’s appointments.
Equipment & Supplies:
- Implement preventative maintenance and cleaning schedules for all dental equipment.
- Maintain and monitor dental office emergency kits and nitrous/oxygen tanks.
- Track and order supplies, managing inventory to avoid shortages while staying cost-efficient.
Team & Office Support:
- Encourage a positive and supportive team environment, leading by example.
- Actively participate in and contribute to team meetings, promoting collaboration between clinical and administrative teams.
- Assist in recall system administration and patient follow-up.
- Provide occasional support in other office areas (phones, scheduling, unpacking supplies, insurance forms, moving patient records, etc.).
Required Skills:
· Proven leadership ability and experience mentoring or supporting clinical staff.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with patients, dentists, and team members.
· Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
· Knowledge of dental terminology, clinical procedures, infection control standards, OSHA/HIPAA compliance.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and dental practice management software.
· English required; bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Dental assisting experience required.
- Expanded Functions Certificate required.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a dental assistant; prior lead or mentorship experience preferred.
- Invisalign experience a plus.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
