Clinical Expanded Function Dental Assistant

OMFS Dental Assistant Duties

The OMFS Dental Assistant is responsible for seating patients in treatment area and performing chair side assistance which consist of the following: setting up operatory for planned dental procedure, cleans dental unit for timely turnover, passes instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently keeps operative field clear of debris and retracts oral tissues effectively and comfortably. Prepares dental medicaments and impression materials per manufacturer's instructions, accomplishes all intra-operative procedures within standard infection control protocols. The OMFS Dental Assistant assists in routine general dental procedures and in specialized dental procedures, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontic, periodontics, dental implant surgery, and prosthodontics. Performs dental imaging which consists of taking digital and/or conventional radiographs of in-patients and outpatients according to prescription, including periapical, bitewing, occlusal, panoramic, cephalometric, and temporomandibular joint tomographs. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized, therefore, imaging requests are accomplished within the desired time frame. Responsible for Infection Control by demonstrating proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatories as well as safety procedures in exposing images. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards and in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Maintains patient confidentiality per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) with written and verbal information and follows computer security regulations. Incumbent observes and complies with all established safety practices. Modifies care as necessitated by patient's age and abilities and provides accurate and understandable instructions to patients. Participates in patient identification and time out per The Joint Commission requirements, assures Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are updated and monitors patient condition during treatment being alert for signs of physical distress. Responsible for reporting any work-related injuries, illnesses, and diseases immediately to your supervisor. Ensures that working conditions and work practices within the worksite are such that the possibilities of on-the-job injuries are minimized. Provides post-operative and other appropriate patient education under the direction and supervision of Dentist and helps with the patient preparation, monitoring and necessary paperwork, before, during and after Moderate Sedation Process. Informs the patient about the nature of the procedure, how long it will take the risks, benefits and possible alternatives. The OMFS assistant is the first member of the surgical team in the suite; therefore, the incumbent must have knowledge and skills to prepare and be proficient in all types of complex OMFS procedures. Assists surgeons while patient is under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia in procedures which include facial trauma, pre-prosthetic or reconstructive surgery, and orthognatic surgery. Is able to assist in basic and advanced cardiac life support when required. When assisting in the OR, performs the duties of scrub nurse. Prepares and drapes the patient, passes the instruments, suctions and irrigates the field, retracts the tissues, cuts sutures and applies force to chisels, anticipates the surgeon's needs at each stage of operation. At the end of the operation, he/she applies surgical dressing, packages and sends tissues to pathology laboratory. Removes contaminated instruments, scrubs, and prepares the surgical tray for the next case on the schedule.

US Department of Veterans Affairs