Dental Assistant

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Dental Assistant facilitates delivery of dental services by the dentist, dental residents and dental hygienists. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: assists dentist/resident/hygienist during examination and treatment of patients; prepares patient for dental examination and treatment; disinfects and/or sterilizes instrumentation and equipment, sets up instrumentation, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures; takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient; exposes and processes dental diagnostic x-rays, when dentist is on site; assists dentist/resident/hygienist in management of medical and dental emergencies; instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs; provides pre/peri/post-operative instructions as prescribed by dentist; maintains dental, electronic medical records; maintaining dental inventory and supports ordering/inventory control; assists in referral process; performs water testing on a regular or as needed; updates the MSDS book for incoming new dental products and revisions; ensures OSHA and all safety requirements are practiced; reviews and maintains sterilization records; scans all necessary documents into the EMR; routes telephone notes and electronic records to appropriate dentist; accesses patient portal for pertinent information; confirms authorizations for non-covered dental services; performs all duties, as requested by supervisor. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma or GED Graduate of an approved dental assistant training program, preferred. Minimum 6 months experience as a dental assistant, preferred. Basic Life Support Certification/AED, preferred. Familiarity serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, desirable. Strong ability to support busy dental program. Proficiency in oral, written and computer skills required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT Position may require standing for extended periods of time.