The Lead Registered Dental Assistant oversees daily clinical operations and supports the dental team in delivering high-quality patient care. This role assists the dentist or periodontist during dental procedures, coordinates staff assignments, ensures compliance with infection-control and safety regulations, and helps maintain an efficient, organized, and patient-centered dental practice.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Assist the dentist or periodontist during routine dental procedures, periodontal surgery, dental implant placement, and other specialty treatments.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and surgical supplies.
• Perform dental radiography, periodontal charting, and other clinical duties within the scope of California RDA licensure.
• Maintain proper sterilization, disinfection, and infection-control protocols.
• Review and update patient medical histories and clinical records.
• Provide preoperative and postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist.

Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of dental assistants.
• Train, mentor, and support new and existing team members.
• Delegate duties appropriately and monitor workflow to ensure efficient patient care.
• Assist with staff scheduling, coverage, and daily clinical assignments.
• Conduct team huddles and communicate important clinical updates.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and a positive work environment.

Clinical Operations and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, infection-control requirements, and applicable dental board regulations.
• Monitor sterilization procedures, equipment maintenance, and clinical supply inventory.
• Maintain adequate stock of dental materials, instruments, and surgical supplies.
• Identify opportunities to improve clinical efficiency and patient experience.
• Assist with clinical documentation, quality assurance, and office protocols.
• Communicate with the dentist, office manager, specialists, and referring offices as needed.

Patient Care and Customer Service

• Deliver compassionate, professional, and respectful patient care.
• Help patients understand treatment procedures and postoperative instructions.
• Address patient concerns promptly and communicate clinical questions to the dentist.
• Support timely appointments, smooth patient flow, and a positive patient experience.