Dental Assistant III (0198)

This position is on-site only.

About the Role

The incumbent will work as part of a dental team consisting 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 dental students, instructors, faculty, or residents in rendering dental services and are expected to anticipate their needs. Responsibilities include performing specialized laboratory procedures, assisting with hospital and laboratory cases, and instructing dental assistant students in techniques, theory, and practice of dental assisting.

Responsibilities

Patient Care (80%)

• Handle instruments and other materials for the dentist during procedures.
• Independently complete coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants, and apply fluoride varnish.
• Follow OSHA guidelines and HIPAA compliance.
• Work as part of a dental team with the 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 at the end of the day.
• Obtain dental records, update medical history, and record accurate patient information.
• Advise patients on dental care.
• Assist the hygienist.
• Take impressions of mouths and pour models.
• Complete lab slips and communicate with labs.
• Make temporary crowns.
• Aid during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating dental materials, retracting and evacuating the oral cavity, and assisting with sedations.
• Evaluate asepsis in the dental operatory before, during, and after patient treatment according to OSHA guidelines.
• Determine needs, order, store, and maintain inventory of supplies and equipment used in the clinic.
• Maintain and ensure the operating efficiency of clinic equipment.
• Supervise dental assisting activities, assign and evaluate work based on clinic scheduling needs, and assist in hiring new dental assistants.
• Expertly expose digital, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and film-based dental radiographs.
• Train lower-level staff on radiographic techniques and radiation protection under the direction of a dentist or dental X-ray technician.
• Instruct dental assistant students and/or dental students in specialized procedures and evaluate their performance.
• Oversee pre- and post-operative patient education (oral hygiene, maintenance, or prosthesis).
• Supervise and assist personnel in providing ambulatory services to patients and assign cases to doctors.
• Communicate directly with patients as guided by the student or instructors/faculty.

Indirect Patient Care (20%)

• Schedule appointments, maintain records, answer phones, order supplies, and perform other front desk office tasks.

Requirements

• Two years (24 months) of work experience in dental assisting comparable to that performed at the Dental Assistant II level, 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).

Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and supervise the work of others.
• Knowledge of techniques needed to diagnose and treat dental injuries, diseases, and deformities, including symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures.
• Knowledge of the English language, including spelling, grammar, and composition.
• Proficiency with computers to input data, access information, and create materials using clinical software applications.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, including needs assessment and quality standards.
• Ability to perform administrative and clerical procedures, such as managing files, designing forms, and managing inventory.
• Strong active listening skills, including giving full attention to speakers and asking appropriate questions.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport with patients.
• Manual dexterity to quickly grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Ability to remain continuously on task for several hours while sitting, standing, or moving.
• Demonstrated sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when interacting with patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures through appropriate and positive communication.

Conditions of Employment

Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.