JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Dental Office Supervisor, and under the general supervision of the Dentist in a clinical setting, Dental Assistant (DA) assists the Dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dentistry.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment; prepares the operatory for the patient visit
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Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; Collects and records patient health histories
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Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze and other required supplies.
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Prepares dental materials—cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
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Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions
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Assists with dental charting as appropriate
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Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
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Manages the patient during dental procedures
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Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four- handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs
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Pour models with no bubbles, properly trim models.
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At the conclusion of the procedure, assists patient, clears work site of instruments and other materials; follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
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Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains on-site lab space.
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Performs, monitors and records all sterilization activities
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Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
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Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks operatory
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Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow
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Maintain and inventory dental supplies and reorders as necessary; track and verify invoices
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Clean and sterilize all instruments; help to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
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Performs other duties as assigned within the Dental Program.
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Assists with front office and check-in/checkout duties as needed.
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Support Dental Van and Portable Dental services as needed, work assigned shifts on the dental van and/or with portable dental services when needed.
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Support Saturday dental clinic as needed, report for scheduled shift when assigned to work such clinic hours.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
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Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
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Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
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Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs
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Ability to work with Pediatric and Adult patients
Skills in:
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Is a team player
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Accepts and offers guidance and supervision as appropriate
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Attends and participates in staff meetings to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program
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Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence
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Adheres to office dress code and standards of behavior
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Maintains patient confidentiality
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Responds professionally to high-pressure situations and time limits
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Works independently with a minimum amount of supervision
Ability to:
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Generate reports regarding patient treatment plans within electronic dental records system. (Schedule patient appointments within eCW).
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Work with considerable exposure to unusual elements such as unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
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Moderate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most of the day
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Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
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Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment
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Flexibility to work in all EDCHC Dental locations as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Licensing Requirements:
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High School Diploma/GED
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Current BLS certification
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Current Dental X-ray Certification
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Completed Board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act
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Completed Board-approved 8-hour course in Infection Control
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Completion of one approved Dental Assisting Pathway:
- Certificate of Completion or Diploma from Dental Assisting Program OR
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Satisfactory completion of EDCHC’s Dental Assistance Training Program
Transportation:
Must possess a current unrestricted California driver license, have reliable transportation, a clean driving record and auto policy as required by the state of California. Required to submit proof of licensure and insurance.
Physical Requirements:
Normal health center/interior office and clinic movement. Communicate, discern, detect, walk or move about, sit and/or stand for long periods of time, reach, stoop bend, lift up to 25lb. Requires repetitive hand movement; use and view a computer; use of dental tools and equipment; also operate fax, copier, and telephone. Ability to observe and work with patients in the clinic setting. Ability to drive and operate a car.
