Dental Assistant II

Position Description

Schedule: Monday - Thursday and Friday as needed An employee in this class performs advanced chair side dental assisting duties within the pediatric dental clinic while supporting patient care, scheduling, and clerical operations. Work includes assisting the Dentist during clinical procedures, performing expanded function dental assisting duties allowed by the North Carolina Dental Board, documenting in the electronic medical record (EMR) system, preparing treatment areas, sterilizing instruments, and providing patient education related to oral health and prevention of dental disease. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Dental Hygienist I, with all clinical duties carried out under the direct supervision of the Dentist.

Responsibilities

Provides chair side assistance to the Dentist during examinations, prophylaxis (cleanings), fluoride treatments, restorations (fillings), sealants, and simple extractions.

Performs expanded function dental assisting duties permitted under North Carolina Dental Board regulations and certifications.

Takes dental radio graphs in accordance with North Carolina Dental Board requirements.

Places sealants, applies acid etch materials, bonding agents, desensitizers, topical anesthetic, and fluoride treatments as directed by the Dentist.

Places and removes matrix bans and wedges as directed.

Takes dental impressions and performs coronal polishing when certified.

Places rubber dams and retraction cord as permitted and directed.

Fits orthodontic bands and removes excess cement with hand instruments as directed.

Prepares treatment rooms, instruments, materials, and trays for patient care procedures.

Performs sterilization and infection control procedures in accordance with applicable guidelines and standards.

Cleans and disinfects instruments, equipment, and operatories after each patient visit.

Documents patient information and treatment activities in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

Provides oral hygiene instructions and patient education regarding preventive dental care.

Performs general clerical and reception duties including scheduling appointments, answering telephones, and maintaining records.

Assists with inventory, stocking supplies, and maintaining operatory cleanliness.

Ensures infection control procedures are followed to minimize disease transmission between patients and staff.

May assist with training and orientation of dental assisting students, interns, or newly assigned staff.

This position has been identified to have responsibilities in the Preparedness Plan for the Health Department. In the case of an event within the county the employee is required to work at a specified location in-house or off-site as identified in various Health Department Emergency Response Plans (ex. Preparedness, Pan Flu, etc.).

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of dental assisting procedures, equipment, instruments, and terminology.

Considerable knowledge of expanded function dental assisting procedures allowed by the North Carolina Dental Board.

Knowledge of sterilization, infection control, and safety procedures.

Ability to maintain accurate patient records and documentation.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, coworkers, and the public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to provide compassionate and professional patient care.

Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Ability to assist in training dental assisting students or interns.

Required Minimum Education / Experience

Graduation from high school or GED.

Graduation from CODA accredited dental assisting program and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential from DANB; or

Employment as Certified Dental Assistant I with 2-years of the preceding 5, consisting of at least 3,000 hours; and

Completion of Infection Control Course and Dental Office Emergencies Course or obtain both certifications within six months of hire date.

Dental Radiography Certificate.

Coronal Polishing Certification.

Nitrous Oxide Certification.

CPR certification or obtain within 6-months of hire date.

Possess a valid NC Driver's License.