Dental Assistant

Position Summary:

A full time, non-exempt position responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.

Reports to the Chief Dental Officer and Staff Dentist

Essential Job Functions:

• Serves as dentist’s or dental hygienist’s chair-side assistant.
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist’s or dental hygienist’s directions.
• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Exposes and develops dental radiographs in accordance with the state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with the state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Maintains dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.
• Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Maintains a list of all Dental Department patients, monitors patient flow, and assists the Chief Dental Officer, dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) is assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the Dental Department.
• Assist with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate.
• Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulation(s).
• Performs all functions in full compliance with the center’s and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion / disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, sate, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as work place safety, public health and confidentiality.
• Conducts routine testing of dental units.
• Ensures proper coverage of auxiliary staff, when staff calls out sick, providing lunch and late coverage.
• Demonstrates and teaches new staff, students, interns and volunteers the use of equipment and proper dental protocol as it relates to patient care.
• Works in patient in-take areas as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Requires a comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry. Knowledge of modern dental materials, their storage, handling and applications is required. Completion of accredited course in dental assisting preferred.
2. Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols. The Dental Assistant must be able to creatively work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal results for the center’s patient.
3. Effective oral and written communication skills in English are required. Effective oral communication skills in Spanish preferred. The Dental Assistant must be cognizant of the expectations and concerns of the center’s dental patients and be able to respond in an empathetic and professional manner. The ability to work with persons from a wide diversity of social, ethnic and economic backgrounds is necessary.
4. Work under stressful conditions as well as irregular hours may be required. Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered.
5. Prolonged sitting or standing may be required. Those physical movements and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination normally associated with dental assisting in general practice dentistry will be performed on a repetitive basis. The ability to distinguish letters and symbols as well as the ability to utilize telephones, computer terminals and copiers is required.

Education, Training and Experience

1. High school diploma or GED certificate.
2. Certified Dental Assistant
3. Registered Dental Assistant preferred
4. Current CPR (BLS) required