POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Dental Assistant 2 supports the Cornell Oral Health Center for Individuals with Special Needs within the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the School of Dental Medicine. This role assists providers in delivering comprehensive oral health care to patients with special health care needs, including individuals with physical, developmental, behavioral, and medically complex conditions. Responsibilities include chairside assisting, coordinating daily clinical operations, supporting patient evaluation and treatment planning, and ensuring a safe, efficient, and patient-centered clinical environment. Proficiency in four-handed dentistry and dental radiology is required, with the ability to adapt techniques to meet the needs of special care populations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Provide four-handed chairside assisting during dental procedures, including preventive, restorative, and specialty care. Adapt techniques to support patients with special health care needs, including behavioral guidance and patient positioning. Assist providers with behavior guidance techniques, including tell-show-do, desensitization, and supportive positioning. Provide reassurance to patients and caregivers to enhance cooperation and comfort during treatment. (60%)
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Coordinate daily clinic operations to support efficient patient care delivery. Review schedules, prepare treatment rooms, and assist with patient intake. Obtain patient records, radiographs, and diagnostic materials, ensuring readiness for provider evaluation and treatment planning. (6%)
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Prepare and maintain clinical areas in compliance with OSHA and infection control standards. Clean and disinfect operatories between patients. Sterilize instruments, transport contaminated materials to central sterilization, and restock supplies. Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and report maintenance needs. (6%)
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Organize and maintain inventory of dental and clinical supplies. Monitor usage, prepare requisitions, and coordinate ordering to ensure adequate stock levels for patient care. (6%)
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Prepare and manage laboratory cases, including impressions, models, and work orders. Maintain accurate records of laboratory submissions, coordinate case pick-up/delivery, and assist with reconciliation of laboratory invoices. (6%)
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Expose and process dental radiographs using modified techniques appropriate for patients and those with special health care needs. Ensure compliance with radiation safety standards. (8%)
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Assist in coordinating patient care with caregivers, schools, and interdisciplinary providers. Support recall and follow-up processes to ensure continuity of care for special needs populations. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Train students, interns, and temporary staff on clinical procedures, infection control, and workflow processes. (2%)
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Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with faculty, staff, cashiers, receptionists, all graduate department specialty clinics and clinical instructors to exchange information.
University: Infrequent to no contact.
External: Continuous contact with patients and regular contact with dental labs and vendors to exchange information.
Students: Daily contact with students and residents to exchange information.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no direct staff supervisory responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 1 to 3 years of Dental Assisting experience; Experience in special care dentistry preferred.
Education/Licensing: High School education required. Certified Dental Assistant required. Current State of Ohio radiology certification. Annual CPR/BLS certification.
REQUIRED SKILLS
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Knowledge of infection control standards, including OSHA guidelines.
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Proficiency in four-handed dentistry and radiographic procedures
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Familiarity with electronic dental records systems (Epic or similar platforms)
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Knowledge of dental laboratory procedures and case management
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Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and professional judgement
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Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
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Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
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Ability to meet consistent attendance.
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Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, supervisors, patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is performed in a clinical setting with exposure to dental materials, chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and radiographic equipment. Requires adherence to all safety and infection control protocols. Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds to transport instruments and materials.
