Dental Assistant

About the Role

Reporting to the Dental Office Supervisor and under the general supervision of the Dentist in a clinical setting, the Dental Assistant (DA) assists the Dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dentistry.

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.
• Pours models with no bubbles and properly trims models.
• 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 on-site lab space.
• Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities.
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments.
• Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatory.
• Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow.
• Maintains and inventories dental supplies and reorders as necessary; tracks and verifies invoices.
• Cleans and sterilizes all instruments; helps to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the Dental Program.
• Assists with front office and check-in/checkout duties as needed.
• Supports Dental Van and Portable Dental services as needed; works assigned shifts on the dental van and/or with portable dental services when required.
• Supports Saturday dental clinic as needed; reports for scheduled shift when assigned to work such clinic hours.
• Generates reports regarding patient treatment plans within the electronic dental records system.
• Schedules patient appointments within eCW.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Current BLS certification.
• Current Dental X-ray Certification.
• Completed Board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act.
• Completed Board-approved 8-hour course in Infection Control.
• Completion of one approved Dental Assisting Pathway:
  • Certificate of Completion or Diploma from Dental Assisting Program, OR
  • Satisfactory completion of EDCHC’s Dental Assistance Training Program.
• Must possess a current unrestricted California driver license, have reliable transportation, a clean driving record, and auto policy as required by the state of California. Required to submit proof of licensure and insurance.

Skills

• 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.
• Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs.
• Ability to work with Pediatric and Adult patients.
• Team player who accepts and offers guidance and supervision as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program.
• Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence.
• Adheres to office dress code and standards of behavior.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Responds professionally to high-pressure situations and time limits.
• Works independently with a minimum amount of supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate physical activity: requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients, and standing and/or walking for most of the day.
• Work with considerable exposure to unusual elements such as unpleasant odors and/or loud noises.
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.
• Normal health center/interior office and clinic movement: communicate, discern, detect, walk or move about, sit and/or stand for long periods of time, reach, stoop, bend, lift up to 25lb.
• Requires repetitive hand movement; use and view a computer; use of dental tools and equipment; also operate fax, copier, and telephone.
• Ability to observe and work with patients in the clinic setting.
• Ability to drive and operate a car.
• Flexibility to work in all EDCHC Dental locations as needed.