Dental Assistant

About the Role

Assists dentists and dental hygienists in providing oral care to patients. Assists in general operation, maintenance of inventory, and housekeeping as it pertains to infection and exposure control.

Responsibilities

• Customer Service:
  • Greets, seats, and inquires about patient needs
  • Informs provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints, and concerns
  • Dismisses patient when provider has completed treatment
• Assisting Techniques:
  • Under the direction of the Dentist, pours models, trims study models, and boxes impressions with wax
  • Assists in oral surgery, preventative, and restorative dentistry
  • Assists Dentist and Dental Hygienists at chairside by:
    • Setting up appropriate trays and materials
    • Preparing operatory
    • Informing provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints, and concerns
    • Utilizing four-handed assisting technique
    • Preparing and processing dental materials
    • Completing simple dental repairs
• Radiographs:
  • Takes radiographs per order/protocol
  • Mounts radiographs in computer prints using digital technology
  • Maintains adequate radiograph supplies
  • Takes accurate radiography including contrast, no cone cutting, etc.
  • Records radiographs appropriately in patients' electronic record
• Dental Record:
  • Maintains and respects confidentiality
  • Determines appropriateness of releasing professional information using established guidelines
  • Utilizes appropriate dental terms and abbreviations
  • Reviews health history
  • Takes appropriate vital signs at every visit
  • Takes dental/periodontal dictation as needed from the dentist or hygienist
  • Documents patient complaints
  • Documents radiographs taken
  • Enters information into EHR
  • Fills out appropriate consent forms and has ready for dentist to sign
• NYSDOH and OSHA Guidelines:
  • Attends annual in-service program on hazardous substance and infection control
  • Proper handling of hazardous substances
  • Proper handling of infectious waste
  • Utilizes universal precautions/adheres to all exposure control protocols
  • Wears appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Proper handling of sharps and sharps containers
  • Cleans and sterilizes equipment according to infection control/sterilization policies and procedures, and manufacturer’s instructions for use
  • Maintains current Red Cross/American Heart Association CPR Certification
• Maintenance:
  • Changes alginate tray solutions and ultrasonic solutions as needed
  • Cleans and disinfects operatories between patients
  • Maintains a supply of tray setups
  • Keeps all logs (e.g., autoclave, refrigerator) up to date
  • Cleans and lubricates high and slow-speed handpieces
  • Cleans and disposes of burs according to procedure
  • Assists with the inventory control system and restocking the laboratory
  • Runs appropriate solution through HVE system at end of day
  • Checks expiration dates on sterilized instruments
  • Handles supply ordering and maintaining inventory
  • Turns equipment on and off at the beginning and end of day
  • Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work area
• Communication/Participation:
  • Communicates effectively with patients, members of the dental team, administrative team, and co-workers in other departments
  • Actively participates in group problem-solving
  • Attends departmental and organizational meetings
  • Participates in quality assurance and continuous improvement activities
  • Performs any other reasonable requests from management

Requirements

• Skills/Qualifications:
  • Willingness to provide exceptional care
  • Basic computer literacy
• Education/Experience:
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Prior dental experience preferred
  • Completion of a recognized dental assisting program preferred