Dental Assistant

REPORTS TO: Practice Manager / Dental Director

RATE OF PAY: $18.82/hour - $20.31/hour; biweekly pay structure

WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time. Monday through Friday; schedule may vary between the operational hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. No weekends or major holidays.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Dental Assistant will perform duties assigned by the Clinic Dentist in accordance with training and within legal limitations recognized by the American Dental Association and the New York State Education Department. This position will assist with patient care, recordkeeping, and the preparation and cleaning of tools used during dental procedures.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the dentist with clinical procedures by passing instruments, retracting tissues, suctioning water, etc., and by mixing and formulating dental materials such as cements, impressions, and restorative materials.
• Performs dental services commensurate with training, including instrument sterilization, equipment maintenance, and adherence to infection control policies.
• Operates dental equipment, including evacuator, autoclave, triturator, and oxygen as needed.
• Assists the dentist in patient management.
• Assists with wheelchair transfer.
• Oversees scheduling of appointments for all dental patients for recall appointments.
• Maintains appropriate, complete, and accurate records, including tracking consent forms and following the progress of dental lab (prosthetic) cases.
• Assists in monitoring dental patients who have received oral sedation.
• Clarifies the dentist’s findings and orders as needed for patients and staff.
• Communicates with dental repair services technicians on all dental repairs.
• Assists in education programs for patients and staff.
• Participates in group conferences where expertise is required.
• Maintains records of:

a) Radiation Exposure Reports, which are sent and processed monthly.

b) Autoclave testing and reports.

• Prepares order forms for needed supplies or materials and submits to the Dental Director and/or Practice Manager for signature.
• Follows all infection control policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Dental Director and/or Practice Manager.

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent Required.
• One year of approved chair-side experience as a dental assistant is preferred.
• CPR certification is preferred.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations.
• Exhibits a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Medium work; ability to lift, carry, and transfer 50 lbs. (Seldom)
• Excellent hand-eye coordination
• Ability to sit/stand for long periods
• Regular exposure to infectious diseases, blood and airborne pathogens, needle sticks, hygiene issues, and other odors.
• Able to tolerate hospital smells.
• Ability to read digital readouts, recognize colors, and operate necessary equipment.
• Ability to wear necessary hospital masks, gowns, gloves, and close-toed shoes.