Dental Assistant (73992)

About the role

Under the general supervision of a Dentist in a clinical setting, the Dental Assistant will work with the dentist in providing dental treatment for patients. Assists in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies, and equipment; prepares the operatory for the patient visit.
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; collects and records patient health histories.
• Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze, and other required supplies.
• Prepares dental materials—cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions.
• Assists with dental charting as appropriate.
• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies.
• Manages the patient during dental procedures.
• Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs.
• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and custom trays.
• Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently: pours models with no bubbles, properly trims models, polishes dental prostheses, makes vac-u-press forms.
• At the conclusion of the procedure, assists patient, clears work site of instruments and other materials; follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient.
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility.
• Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow.
• Maintains and inventories dental supplies and informs manager when reorders are necessary; tracks and verifies invoices if assigned by manager.
• Cleans and sterilizes all instruments; helps to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
• Participates in the ongoing evaluation of Dental Program operations to assure the delivery of high-quality services that support the financial sustainability of the program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities for Certified Dental Assistants

• Polish the patient’s teeth to remove stains and soft deposits with Coronial Polishing Certification.
• Apply topical fluoride and varnishes.
• Apply pit and fissure sealants.
• Remove surgical sutures.
• Pre-select orthodontic bands.
• Place and remove orthodontic bands.
• Adapt temporary crowns.
• Place topical medications.
• Remove excess cement from fabricated restoration and orthodontic bands.
• Demonstrate and embody the Women’s Care mission and core values.
• Compliance with all HIPAA rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Prefer a minimum of 1 year of dental assistant experience OR certification in Dental Assisting.
• CPR certification.
• X-ray certification preferred.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to put patients at ease.
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
• Maintain and expand current level of dental assistant skills and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs.
• Place a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence.
• Able to professionally handle high-pressure situations and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum amount of supervision.
• Able to accept constructive criticism and instruction while maintaining a positive attitude towards managers, programs, and job responsibilities.
• Acts as a role model – willing to accept or volunteer on projects as opportunity arises.
• Must be dependable, reliable, and punctual.