Dental Assistant

Job Summary:

Dental assistants provide essential support to dentists, ensuring smooth patient flow and effective dental care delivery. They assist with patient preparation, chair-side support during procedures, sterilization of instruments, and maintaining a clean, organized environment. Additionally, they may handle administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling and record-keeping, contributing to the overall efficiency of the dental clinic.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities: 

• PATIENT CARE
  1. Assist the Dentist during procedures.
     • Seat and discharge patients.
     • Assure patient comfort and prepare set-ups. 
  2. Prepare solutions.
  3. Takes x-rays and impressions.
  4. Assist the Dental Hygienist as necessary.
  5. Construct and seat/ cement temporaries.
  6. Pour dental models and construct mouth guards and fluoride trays.  
• RECORDS
  1. Document clinical activities and relevant patient care information in dental records as per dental practice and health center protocols. 
• INFECTION CONTROL 
  1. Clean and sterilize instruments 
• QUALITY ASSURANCE 
  1. Participate in the development, implementation, audit, and continuous evaluation and improvement of protocols, services and programs provided by the dental service and/or the health center.
  2. Maintain cleanliness of work lab, such as lab pans, rag wheels, micro etcher, vibrator, sink area, plaster and stone bins, and lab case boxes. 
• OTHER
  1. It is expected that you will meet the productivity standards that are set forth by your Supervisor and/or NCHC Division protocols.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Position Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Provider level CPR/BLS certification (preferred).
• Completion of certificated Dental Radiography course (preferred).
• One year of experience in a dental practice setting (preferred).
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients of all ages.
• Proficient in computer skills, including EMR, email, spreadsheets, and document processing (preferred).
• Must maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Physically able to assist patients, stand/walk for long periods, lift up to 25 lbs. 
• Must be able to work under stress and around bodily fluids.
• Must conduct oneself ethically and report any possible violations.