Dental Assistant

1. POSITION OVERVIEW

West-Med Medical & Dental Centre is seeking a professional, organised, compassionate and reliable Dental Assistant to join our Majik Forest branch.

The Dental Assistant will be responsible for providing chairside assistance to the dentist, ensuring the smooth daily operation of the dental consulting rooms, maintaining excellent infection prevention and control standards, and delivering a high standard of patient care.

The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a busy multidisciplinary medical and dental environment and demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, teamwork and a patient-centred approach.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS – COMPULSORY

Applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• A recognised qualification in Dental Assisting from an accredited training institution.
• Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Dental Assistant.
• Ability to provide proof of qualification and current HPCSA registration.
• Previous experience working in a dental practice will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of dental instruments, sterilisation procedures, infection control and chairside assistance.
• Excellent communication skills and a professional approach to patient care.

IMPORTANT: Applications from candidates who do not hold the required Dental Assisting qualification and HPCSA registration will not be considered.

Applicants must submit their CV, proof of qualification and HPCSA registration details when applying.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Chairside Dental Assistance

• Assist the dentist during examinations, consultations and dental procedures.
• Prepare dental instruments, materials and equipment before each appointment.
• Provide four-handed dentistry assistance, including instrument transfer, suction and retraction.
• Prepare dental materials as instructed by the dentist.
• Assist with restorative dentistry, extractions, root canal treatments, dental emergencies and other procedures within the assistant's authorised scope.
• Ensure all required instruments and materials are readily available during procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning and comfort throughout treatment.
• Maintain an organised, clean and efficient dental workstation.

B. Infection Prevention, Sterilisation and Hygiene

• Clean, disinfect and prepare dental rooms between patients.
• Ensure correct cleaning, sterilisation, packaging and storage of dental instruments.
• Operate and maintain sterilisation equipment according to practice protocols.
• Follow strict infection prevention and control procedures.
• Ensure appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Dispose of clinical waste, sharps and contaminated materials according to applicable healthcare regulations.
• Maintain sterilisation logs and relevant infection control records.
• Ensure dental equipment, chairs and work surfaces are cleaned and disinfected daily.
• Report infection control concerns immediately to management.

C. Patient Care and Experience

• Welcome patients professionally and assist them into the dental consulting room.
• Prepare patients for dental examinations and procedures.
• Provide reassurance and support to anxious patients and children.
• Maintain patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• Assist the dentist with communicating approved post-treatment instructions.
• Ensure patients are comfortable before, during and after procedures.
• Report patient concerns or complaints to the dentist or Practice Coordinator.
• Maintain West-Med's professional patient service standards.

D. Dental Room and Equipment Management

• Ensure dental consulting rooms are fully prepared before the start of each shift.
• Perform daily checks of dental chairs, suction systems, lights and other equipment.
• Monitor dental instruments, consumables and clinical supplies.
• Notify management of low stock levels and assist with stock ordering.
• Maintain accurate stock records and monitor expiry dates.
• Ensure equipment is used correctly and report faults immediately.
• Assist with maintaining dental equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
• Keep dental storage areas neat, organised and properly labelled.
• Ensure the dental rooms are ready for the next working day before leaving.

E. Administrative and Practice Support

• Assist with patient records and dental charting as directed by the dentist.
• Ensure patient documentation is completed and filed correctly.
• Assist with preparing consent forms and relevant clinical documentation.
• Support reception staff with appointment coordination when required.
• Assist with communication between the dentist, reception and other clinical staff.
• Coordinate dental laboratory collections and deliveries where applicable.
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient and practice information in accordance with POPIA.
• Assist with general administrative duties relating to dental operations.

F. Emergency and After-Hours Dental Services

As West-Med Majik Forest provides dental services that may include emergency and after-hours appointments, the Dental Assistant may be required to:

• Assist with emergency dental procedures.
• Prepare emergency dental instruments and materials.
• Ensure the dental room remains ready for urgent appointments.
• Support the dentist in managing patients requiring urgent treatment.
• Work scheduled evening or weekend shifts in accordance with operational requirements and applicable labour legislation.

3. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Recognised Dental Assisting qualification.
• Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Dental Assistant, where required by applicable registration rules.
• Previous experience working in a dental practice is advantageous.
• Knowledge of dental instruments, procedures and terminology.
• Understanding of infection prevention, sterilisation and clinical hygiene protocols.
• Good communication skills in English; Afrikaans is advantageous.
• Basic computer literacy and administrative skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings and weekends where required.

4. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Professionalism: Maintain a polished, neat and professional appearance in accordance with West-Med's grooming and uniform policy.
• Reliability: Arrive punctually, fulfil assigned responsibilities and maintain dependable attendance.
• Attention to detail: Ensure instruments, equipment and clinical areas are properly prepared.
• Compassion: Treat all patients with kindness, patience and respect.
• Teamwork: Work cooperatively with dentists, receptionists, nurses and management.
• Initiative: Identify tasks requiring attention without constant supervision.
• Accountability: Take responsibility for assigned duties and report problems promptly.
• Adaptability: Remain calm and efficient during busy clinical sessions and emergencies.
• Confidentiality: Protect sensitive patient and business information.

5. DAILY OPERATIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Before the first appointment

• Arrive on time and prepare the dental consulting room.
• Check that equipment is functioning correctly.
• Prepare sterilised instruments and consumables.
• Review the appointment schedule with the dentist.
• Ensure the room is clean, stocked and patient-ready.

During clinical hours

• Provide efficient chairside assistance.
• Clean and prepare the room between patients.
• Maintain infection control standards.
• Monitor consumables and instrument availability.
• Support patient flow and appointment efficiency.
• Assist the dentist with all appropriate clinical support duties.

At the end of the shift

• Clean and disinfect the dental consulting room.
• Process and store