Dental Assistant

Job Summary

The duties include, but are not limited to:

CHAIR SIDE ASSISTANCE:

Assist dental students, residents and/or faculty in the treatment of patients requiring emergency restorative, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics and/or oral surgery. Participate in 4 handed dentistry. Assist chair side with air, water and instruments. Mixing various materials as required. Assist in the management of difficult problems such as the apprehensive patient and/or the pre-medicated adult. Assist in the placement of rubber dam. Prepare local anesthetic syringe. Dispose of all sharps in designated sharps container after patient dismissed. Use mouth mirror for indirect vision retraction. Gently extract patient's cheek, adjusting mirror position to avoid pressure on oral structures. Perform high volume evacuation. Handle carefully not to move during instrument or hand piece use. Follow all published guidelines regarding personal protective gear and clinical infection control protocol, i.e. Aware of the MSDS sheets, handle and dispose of hazardous materials.

INSTRUMENTS & INSTRUCTION:

Operates dental x-ray equipment to include taking routine and specialized radiographs as requested. Explain purpose of procedure to patient. Explain and place protective lead apron. Obtains and stores dental and special supplies. Assigned operatories are kept clean and stocked. Maintains dental equipment in a clean operative condition on a daily basis. Cleaning, packaging, and maintaining instruments and equipment required including sending to and retrieving from central sterilization as needed for daily production. Using organizational software and assisting in appointing patients for follow-up care. Follow the organization's incident reporting protocol. Ensure ordering and inventory control of supplies, equipment, and dental instruments required for assigned clinics.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent from a recognized state or federal accrediting organization with one year of related experience. OR Certified Dental Assistant and/or Associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in an applicable related field of study.

Preferred Qualifications

Graduation from a certified Dental Assisting program with 3 years of experience to include previous experience mixing dental materials, taking x-rays, chair side dental assisting skills/knowledge in multiple dental disciplines.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of oral bony structure of the face and taking diagnostic dental radiographs. Detailed knowledge of tooth anatomy. Knowledge of dental instruments. Determine serviceability and need for replacement. Knowledge of basic dental lab assisting procedures and practices. Knowledge and skills to detect adverse reactions to dental treatment. Knowledge of 4-handed dentistry.

SKILLS

Required immediate and extreme flexibility and adaptability to ever-changing procedures, methods, and personalities.

ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to select and place rubber dam clamps. Ability to transition between multiple dentists and assist with different types of procedures among different dental disciplines. Ability to work in high volume, fast paced environments and maintain composure and treatment under pressure.