Dental Assistant

Summary Under the supervision of the Dental Operations Manager, the Dental Assistant performs semi‑technical dental and routine clerical work in a dental clinic. The role involves assisting the dentist during examinations and treatment, and performing routine tasks according to standards, procedures, and instructions set forth in Chapter 5 under Dental Assisting in the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry code. The assistant must be emotionally mature, able to function effectively under stress, and capable of organizing and prioritizing work. Primary Responsibilities Knowledge and understanding of Employee Handbook. Carry out the meaning of the CSMD Mission and Vision statements. Practice a culture of safety to reduce or prevent risk of injury, claims, loss or liability by utilizing the Risk Management and Infection Control Plan. Perform responsibilities with a high‑quality standard to yield improved compliance, quality, and patient outcome measures by adhering to the Quality Improvement Plan. Be present and ready for work as scheduled. Attend in‑service trainings, departmental meetings, and community events. Work cohesively with team members. Completes initial assessment of patient according to department Policy and Procedures and documents appropriately. Takes and records pulse, blood pressure and temperature. Notes individual patient’s limitations and dental needs. Removes sutures. Takes preliminary impressions. Sterilizes instruments. Receive dentist orders, records, and assures completion. Assists dentist with exams and procedures to the extent provided by Louisiana State Board of Dentistry for a Dental Assistant. Documents the care provided to patients, and their reaction to that care. Recognizes emergency situations and responds appropriately. Seats and prepares patients; adjusts dental chair. Arranges dental instruments and materials for each patient, assists dentist with instrumentation, medication, and management of the patient during treatment procedures. Assists dentist in the use of specialized dental equipment, such as the x‑ray machine, aspirator, and curing lights. Mixes and prepares solutions and materials for fillings, washes and sterilizes instruments, and cleans work area following treatment. Takes radiographs of patients as prescribed by dentist. Charts information dictated by the dentist on the chart such as lesions, missing teeth, etc. Acts as a communication link between dentist and receptionist. Performs routine dental laboratory work. Performs routine maintenance of dental equipment, i.e., oiling of hand pieces and contra‑angles. Orders dental and office supplies. Provides patient, family, significant other teaching as opportunities arise or as need is identified. Conducts oral hygiene instructions with patients and parents of juveniles. Explains dental care procedures using correct terminology, supplements explanation with reasons why. Initiates referrals as needed per dentist and appropriate follow‑up. Other duties as assigned. Requirements Education: High School Graduate and a graduate of a state approved Dental Assistant School. Licenses, Registration and Certifications: Six months experience in a dentist's office or completion of a training course in dental assistance. CPR certification by the American Board for Dental Assisting preferred. Must become EDDA certified within one year. Job Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of the types of dental instruments and their use; techniques of effective sterilization and radiology. Skill in mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity. Ability to follow written instructions to learn technical knowledge and dental procedures, to work with people who are mentally ill or physically handicapped, to post and maintain accurate and correct records of treatments administered, and appointments. Must have a positive attitude towards working with low‑income families. Physical Requirements Visual acuity – always Hand–eye coordination – always Lifting approximately 10‑15 lbs., Pushing, Pulling – sometimes Stooping, Bending, and Standing – sometimes Walking – frequent; short distances Work Environment Indoor, environmentally controlled Exposure to disease or infections No vibrations Exposure to artificial and/or natural light Exposure to outdoor weather elements Training Relias Track A Clinical Relias CareSouth Onboarding Performance Management Evaluation Type Clinic Support #J-18808-Ljbffr