Dental Assistant

Job Summary:

The unlicensed dental assistant assists the dentist during examination and treatment of patients.  The dental assistant is responsible for patient preparation, sterilization and disinfection of instruments, instrument tray set up, and preparation of dental materials.

Functions and Responsibilities:

1.0       Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, and operatories

1.1        Sterilizes reusable dental instruments and equipment

1.2       Oils and cleans equipment

1.3       Chair/operatory sterilization and set up

1.4       Insures proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials

1.5       Maintains compliance with department directives and protocols relative to infection control, exposure control and safety

1.6       Maintains adequate operatory supplies and complies list of items needed for inventory control and ordering purposes

2.0     Assists dentists by serving as chair-side assistant

2.1      Prepares operatory for patient treatment

2.2      Passes instruments

2.3      Performs other routine tasks in care of the patient as directed by the dentist

2.4      Provides diagnostic aids to the dentist

2.5      Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies

3.0     Performs clinical supportive functions

3.1      Prepare patient ensuring patient feels comfortable before, during and after dental treatment

3.2      Instruct patient on appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g. tooth brushing, flossing)

3.3      Dismisses patient by explaining follow-up needed as directed by dentist

4.0      Maintains dental clinical records

4.1      Chart mouth and teeth

4.2      Records and maintains files

4.3      Support front desk staff in down time

5.0     Technical and laboratory skills

4.1      Mixes amalgam and synthetic fillings material according to instructions

4.2     Exposes digital x-rays (WI Only)

4.3     Pours, trims and polishes casts (WI Only)

4.4     Maintain dental equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s directions and department policy

4.5     VisDental Compliant

6.0    Miscellaneous Duties

6.1     Responsible for personal compliance with LSCHC

6.2    Maintains patient confidentiality

6.3    Other duties as assigned

6.4    Travel between sites may be required

Physical Demands 

·         Prolonged sitting and/or standing

·         Physical movement and the degree of mobility, manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination performed on a repetitive basis

·         Work under stressful conditions may be required

Frequent exposure to communicable disease, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, radiation and other conditions common to a clinical environment may routinely be encountered

Job Qualifications:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Experience in health care business operations preferred

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of infection control procedures and protocols preferred
• Knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures preferred
• Ability to sterilize and care for instruments and equipment
• Computer and Microsoft Office software knowledge
• High level of customer service skills
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks under stressful conditions
• Ability to complete basic lab work

Licensure and Credentials:

• CPR Certification (obtain within 6 months)

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (403b)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development