Dental Assistant (Part-Time)

About the Role

We are hiring a part-time Dental Assistant for our Dental Clinic at Neighborhood Service Organization in Oklahoma City. The Dental Assistant will understand and model the mission of NSO, practice NSO’s policy on confidentiality, exhibit professional behavior, and demonstrate teamwork with all NSO staff. The role involves working with the dentist and other team members to increase efficiency in delivering quality oral health care by performing tasks that require both interpersonal and technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Take digital x-rays using snap-a-ray sensor holders
• Review patient medical history and take blood pressure and pulse
• Work closely with the infection control officer to develop infection control protocol
• Prepare and sterilize instruments and dental equipment
• Ensure patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Provide patients with written post-treatment care instructions
• Apply topical drugs prescribed by a dentist
• Take impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts
• Assist with supply orders by communicating with the office manager or dental supplier
• Schedule follow-up appointments with the dentist and patient
• Place or remove celluloid, plastic, or metallic strips between teeth for fillings
• Place or remove rubber dams under dentist supervision
• Provide suction/evacuation during procedures
• Assist with maintaining patient charts, clinic progress notes, and NSO clinic records
• Perform other assigned duties

Requirements

• Must effectively communicate in English orally and in writing
• Must possess a valid dental assisting permit from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry
• Must have X-ray certification
• Must be able to obtain Nitrous certification within 6 months of hire
• Coronal polishing and Fluoride application certification preferred
• Sealant application certification preferred
• Must possess a valid Healthcare Provider CPR certification
• Experience working with the homeless and underserved population is preferred
• Clearance of background check and drug screen (this is a Safety Sensitive Position under the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Act)

Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of dental office and chair-side dental assisting practices, procedures, and techniques
• Considerable knowledge of dental terminology and charting practices
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of dental health promotion and prevention
• Some knowledge of Federal and OSHA regulations for dental clinics
• Intermediate computer skills; knowledge of Eaglesoft software and digital x-rays preferred
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to be culturally sensitive to the needs of the medically indigent
• Ability to respond to new client needs
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic clinical environment and handle multiple demands

Working Conditions

• Requires lifting supply boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Majority of time spent in a well-lighted, climate-controlled indoor office setting
• Work in close proximity to others with limited personal space
• Potential exposure to radiation, biohazards, and communicable diseases
• May encounter conflict situations with rude or unpleasant individuals
• Work is performed while walking or standing for much of the time
• Occasional periods of high stress