"Dental Assistant III (0198)"

The incumbent will work as part of a dental team consistent of a Dentist, Dental Hygienist and Front Desk office staff to provide efficient and effective dental care services. Employees at this level provide advanced assistance to a dental student or instructors/faculty/residents in rendering dental services and are expected to anticipate their needs; performs related specialized laboratory procedures; assists with hospital and laboratory cases; and instructs dental assistant students in the techniques, theory, and practice of dental assisting.

The following information is intended to be representative of the work performed by incumbent in this position and is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities.

Demonstrates, by actions, commitment to the mission and the behavioral standards of SIU School of Medicine. Provides excellent service to both internal and external customers through collaboration and partnership; compassion and respect; integrity and accountability; diversity and inclusion; as well as continuous learning and improvement.

PATIENT CARE 80%

• Handle instruments and other materials to dentist during procedures
• Independently complete coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants
• Apply fluoride varnish
• Follow OSHA guidelines and HIPAA compliance
• Work as part of a dental team with dentist, hygienist and front office
• Take x-rays of patient teeth
• Use suction and swabs to keep mouths clear and dry during procedures
• Apply topical anesthetic to mouths
• Organize and prepare dental instruments for dental procedures/exams
• Sterilize dental instruments and equipment between each patient and end of day
• Obtain dental records, update medical history and record accurate patient information
• Advise dental care to patients
• Assist hygienist
• Take impression of mouths and pour models
• Complete lab slips and communicate with labs
• Make temporary crowns
• Aids during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating dental materials, retracting and evacuating oral cavity, and assisting with sedations; Revised: 08/28/25
• Responsible for evaluating high level of asepsis in the dental operatory before receiving, during treatment, and following the dismissal of patients according to OSHA guidelines;
• Determines needs, orders, stores, and keeps inventory of supplies and equipment used in the clinic;
• Responsible for the maintenance and overall operating efficiency of equipment in the clinic;
• Supervises persons performing dental assisting activities, determining needs of the clinic schedule and assigning and evaluating work; assists in hiring new dental assistants;
• Expert in exposing digital, con-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and film-based dental radiographs; trains lower-level staff on technique under the direction of a dentist or dental X-ray technician, demonstrating all radiographic techniques and radiation protection;
• Instructs dental assistant students and/or dental students in specialized procedures; evaluates their performance while assigned to the clinic;
• Oversees pre and post-operative patient education (oral hygiene, maintenance, or prosthesis);
• Supervises and assists personnel in providing ambulatory services to patients; assigns cases to doctors;
• Communicates directly with patients as guided by the student or instructors/faculty;
• Performs duties comparable to those associated with the next lower level in this series and other related duties as assigned.

INDIRECT PATIENT CARE 20%

• Schedule appointments, maintaining records, answer phones, order supplies and other front desk office tasks

Skills and Abilities Needed for the Position

• Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations
• Understanding of outpatient public health dental office procedures and patient flow.
• Able to work professionally and adeptly under pressure
• Has excellent observation, good judgment, and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Good organizational skills
• Strong Interpersonal and communication skills
• Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling role obligation
• Computer competency; experience with Microsoft and dental office software
• Must be able to use a phone, personal computer, copier and fax machine

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

• Two years (24 months) of work experience in dental assisting comparable to that performed at the Dental Assistant II level of this series, including experience in four-handed dentistry.
• Current Certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board, if required by the employing institution.