Dental assistant/receptionist vs surgical assistant

Differences between dental assistant/receptionist and surgical assistant duties and responsibilities

Dental assistant/receptionist example responsibilities.

• Coordinate continuing education courses, schedule in office training sessions and manage first aid, CPR and a certifications.
• Contact pharmacist to authorize medication for patients prior to dental procedures.
• Store records securely and handle in compliance with legal requirements, including the HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
• Assist in a variety of dental procedures including all types of fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns and dentures.
• Chart, examination/treatment information, scheduled/cancel appointments using CDA.
• Provide state-of-the-art individualize orthodontic treatment to adult and adolescent patients.
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Surgical assistant example responsibilities.

• Manage medical records and document examination notes, prescriptions, and procedure details in EMR.
• Manage surgical scheduling, cataract evaluations, ultrasounds, keratometry, IOL selection, and preoperative exam for surgery.
• Prepare patients for examination by taking their vitals, and performing EKG when need.
• Assist with all dental procedures, order all supplies, maintain equipment and OSHA handbook.
• Assist surgeons in surgical procedures making incisions, manipulating tissues and organs, cauterizing, suturing and dressing wounds.
• Interview patients, review patient medical history, gather and educate patients on their medications.
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