DENTAL ASSISTANT

Advanced Dental Assistant

This employee provides advanced remediable intra-oral dental tasks/procedures during examination and treatment of patients. Performs clinical support functions essential for the operation of a dental clinic. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Principals and working properties of various dental restorative materials.
• Proper use of equipment, instruments, and supplies used in performance of comprehensive dental treatment.
• Proper maintenance of dental equipment including hand pieces, vacuum, compressor, automatic processor, dental unit, and autoclave.
• CDC, OSHA, and State Dental Board rules and requirements concerning infection control rules and regulations.
• Safe handling of contaminated instruments and waste.
• Potential for exposure to HIV, HBV, TD, STDs, etc.
• Basic life support in the management of dental emergencies.
• Skills and techniques used in assistance with provision of four-handed dentistry.

Skill to:

• Operate a computer utilizing the appropriate software related to assigned area of responsibility.
• Input appropriate data into computer system.
• Operate equipment and instruments used in performance of assigned dental procedures.
• Expose, process, and mount dental radiographs.
• Pour and trim study models.
• Place dental restorative materials – metallic & non-metallic.
• Place sealants.
• Communicate in lay terms to dental patients.

Ability to:

• Perform dental charting (dental and periodontal).
• Perform assigned four-handed dentistry tasks.
• Maintain instruments and equipment used in examination and treatment of dental patients.
• Provide oral hygiene instructions.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Interpret and clearly explain procedures, situations, and policies to the public as well as to other employees.
• Write legibly, clearly, and concisely using proper English.
• Reduce a complaint or problem to writing for recording purposes.
• Listen effectively.
• Prioritize calls and requests.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Organize work and follow directions, both oral and written.
• Show sensitivity toward the needs of patients.
• Manage patients with anxiety, mental illnesses, or mental retardation.
• Handle difficult customers or situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Work in a fast paced environment.
• Work and make decisions with little supervision.

Each applicant must have the equivalency of a high school diploma plus training or three years of experience as a chairside Dental Assistant.

Other Requirements

• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• Must have a Dental Assistant Radiographer License from the Ohio State Dental Board.