Pediatric Dental Assistant

WHAT WE’RE ABOUT:

At Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) we provide the compassionate, quality healthcare that patients deserve, regardless of their ability to pay.

THE RUNDOWN:

This position is part of the pediatric dental team SEK Smiles. This position is responsible for assisting with dental services under the supervision of the Pediatric Dentist and Dental Hygienist in a primary care and operating room setting. This position is responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. The Pediatric Dental Assistant I will apply sealants, child prophylaxis and assists with special procedures, such as pouring lab impressions and nitrous oxide administration/monitoring. May assist in providing training to students and new hires. Must maintain confidentiality in accordance with CHC policies and HIPAA regulations.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Preparation in primary clinic or hospital operating room setting, maintaining adequate clinic supplies for patient treatment per clinical protocols and/or Dentist's or Dental Hygienist's direction.
• Creates an efficient and safe environment for staff and patients by anticipating the sequence of dental procedures, preparing in advance, identifying correct items needed for procedures - including instruments for stainless steel crowns, space maintenance and pulp therapies and papoose size, and appropriate placement of a child in the papoose.
• Ability to perform coronal polishing with effective plaque removal, applies pit and fissure sealants, assists with specialty services, such as pouring lab impressions and fitting bands for space maintenance, and assumes responsibilities associated with any expanded duties that may be delegated by the Dental Hygienist and/or Pediatric Dentist. 
• Understands and effectively implements Tell-Show-Do technique.
• Take, associate and evaluate digital and phosphor plate radiographs for diagnostic quality.
• Assist in the administration and monitoring of Nitrous Oxide.
• Reviews the patient's health history for documentation and demonstrates proper charting in electronic dental record.
• Can correctly identify oral anatomy and primary/permanent teeth with eruption dates.
• Maintains a sterile and neat working environment and observes universal precautions at all times. 

The essential functions listed are not an exhaustive list of every task the employee is required to complete. Employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Nitrous Oxide certification required or obtained within nine (9) months from date of hire.
• Basic Life Support certification required upon hire or obtained within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Graduation from Dental Assisting Program, preferred
• Certified Dental Assistant certification, preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. High volume and fast paced environment.