Summary:
Under the supervision of the Dental Director, the Certified Dental Assistant renders dental care to patients. The Dental Assistant performs semi-technical dental and routine clerical work in a dental department located in a community health center. Work involves assisting the dentist during examinations and treatment, cleanings, sterilizing, and arranging instruments, and assisting dentist with x-rays.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Completes initial assessment of patient according to department Policy and Procedures and documents appropriately.
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Takes and record pulse, blood pressure and temperature.
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Notes individual patient's limitations and dental needs.
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Reassesses patient according to departmental guidelines and documents appropriately.
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Applies the dental process to each patient and implements limited dental actions
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Follows plan of care for each patient
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Receive dentist orders, records and assures completion.
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Assists dentist with exams and procedures.
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Documents the care provided to patients, and their reaction to that care.
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Recognizes emergency situations and responds appropriately.
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Seats and prepares patients adjusts dental chair.
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Arranges dental instruments and materials for each patient, assists dentist with instrumentation, medication and management of the patient during treatment procedures.
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Assists dentist in the use of highly specialized dental equipment, such as the x-ray machine, aspirator, and amalgamator.
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Mixes and prepares solutions and materials for fillings, washes and sterilizes instruments and clean work area following treatment.
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Takes radiographs of patients as prescribed by dentist. File x-ray films and case reports.
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Charts information dictated by the dentist on the chart such as lesions, missing teeth, etc.
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Act as a communication link between dentist and receptionist.
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Performs routine dental laboratory work.
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Performs routine maintenance of dental equipment, i.e., oiling of hand pieces and contra-angles.
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Orders dental and office supplies.
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Provides patient, family, significant other teaching as opportunities arise or as need is identified.
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Presents group instruction in oral health care utilizing models and audio visual aids.
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Conducts oral hygiene instructions with patients and parents of juveniles.
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Explains dental care procedures using correct terminology; supplements explanation with reasons why
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School Age
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Adolescent/Adult
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Geriatrics
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Utilizes appropriate resources to accommodate age, education, cultural and communication barriers.
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Initiates referrals as needed per dentist and appropriate follow-up.
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Other duties as assigned.
