Dental Assistant

Position Summary:

Assists dentists and dental hygienists in providing oral care to patients. Assists in general operation, maintenance of inventory, and housekeeping as it pertains to infection and exposure control.

Job Responsibilities:

Customer Service:

• Greets, seats and inquiries about patient needs
• Informs provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints and concerns.
• Dismisses patient when provider has completed treatment

Assisting Techniques:

• Under the direction of the Dentist, pours models, trims study models and box impressions with wax.
• Assists in oral surgery, preventative, and restorative dentistry.
• Assists Dentist and Dental Hygienists at chair side by:
• Setting up appropriate trays and materials
• Preparing operatory
• Informing provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints and concerns
• Utilizing four-handed assisting technique
• Preparing and processes dental materials
• Completing simple dental repairs

Radiographs:

• Takes radiographs per order/protocol
• Mounts in computer prints using digital technology
• Maintains adequate radiograph supplies
• Takes accurate radiography including contrast, no cone cutting, etc.
• Records radiographs appropriately in patients electronic record.

Dental Record:

• Maintains and respects confidentiality
• Determines appropriateness of releasing professional information using established guidelines
• Utilizes appropriate dental terms and abbreviations
• Reviews health history
• Takes appropriate vital signs at every visit
• Takes dental/periodontal dictation as needed from the dentist or hygienist
• Documents patient complaints
• Documents radiographs taken
• Enters information into EHR
• Fills out appropriate consent forms and has ready for dentist to sign

NYSDOH and OSHA guidelines:

• Attends annual in-service program on hazardous substance and infection control.
• Proper handling of hazardous substances
• Proper handling of infectious waste
• Utilizes universal precautions/adhere to all exposure control protocols
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment
• Proper handling of sharps and sharps containers
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment according to infection control/sterilization policies and procedures, and manufacturer’s instructions for use
• Maintains current Red Cross/American Heart Association CPR Certification

Maintenance:

• Changes alginate tray solutions and ultrasonic solutions as needed.
• Cleans and disinfects operatories between patients
• Maintains a supply of tray set ups
• Keeps all logs: ie: autoclave, refrigerator, etc. up to date
• Cleans and lubricates high and slow speed hand pieces 
• Cleans and disposes of burs according to procedure.
• Assists with the inventory control system and restocking the laboratory.
• Runs appropriate solution through HVE system at end of day
• Checks expiration dates on sterilized instruments
• Supply ordering and maintaining inventory 
• Turns equipment on and off at the beginning and end of day
• Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work area

Communication/Participation:

• Communicates effectively with patients, members of the dental team, administrative team and co-workers in other departments
• Actively participates in group problem solving
• Attends departmental and organizational meetings
• Participates in quality assurances and continuous improvement activities
• Any other reasonable requests from management

Skills/Qualifications:

• Willingness to provide exceptional care
• Basic computer literacy

Education/Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent. 
• Prior dental experience preferred
• Completion of a recognized dental assisting program preferred