Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today.

The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, we provide dental education to the next generation of professionals by offering hands-on education through innovative research, patient care, and service. Join other dental providers to improve the oral health of Georgia and beyond. The DCG was founded to provide the people of Georgia with quality dental care by educating students in dentistry. As a patient, you have the option to receive treatment in one of our three different practice models consisting of student clinics, resident care, or in the faculty practice. All dental treatments can be completed by the specialists in our facility. We also serve patients in more than 20 clinics across Georgia.

Performs chair-side assisting in all phases of emergency dentistry, pediatric, orthodontic, prosthodontics, limited endodontic, limited oral surgery and periodontics assisting. Other related work will also be required which includes, but is not limited to, preventive and daily maintenance of dental operatory and equipment, clerical assignments, radiological and receptionist responsibilities. Serves as a liaison for patients, staff, students, residents and faculty within the dental college.

The duties include, but are not limited to: Chair Side Assistance Assist dental students, residents and/or faculty in the treatment of patients requiring emergency restorative, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics and/or oral surgery. Participate in 4 handed dentistry. Assist chair side with air, water and instruments. Mixing various materials as required. Assist in the management of difficult problems such as the apprehensive patient and/or the pre-medicated adult. Assist in the placement of rubber dam. Prepare local anesthetic syringe. Dispose of all sharps in designated sharps container after patient dismissed. Use mouth mirror for indirect vision retraction. Gently extract patient's cheek, adjusting mirror position to avoid pressure on oral structures. Perform high volume evacuation. Handle carefully not to move during instrument or hand piece use. Follow all published guidelines regarding personal protective gear and clinical infection control protocol, i.e. Aware of the MSDS sheets, handle and dispose of hazardous materials. Instruments & Instruction : Operates dental x-ray equipment to include taking routine and specialized radiographs as requested. Explain purpose of procedure to patient. Explain and place protective lead apron. Obtains and stores dental and special supplies. Assigned operatories are kept clean and stocked. Maintains dental equipment in a clean operative condition on a daily basis. Cleaning, packaging, and maintaining instruments and equipment required including sending to and retrieving from central sterilization as needed for daily production. Using organizational software and assisting in appointing patients for follow-up care. Follow the organization's incident reporting protocol. Ensure ordering and inventory control of supplies, equipment, and dental instruments required for assigned clinics. Other Duties Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Educational Requirements High school diploma, GED or equivalent from a recognized state or federal accrediting organization with one year of related experience. OR Certified Dental Assistant and/or Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university in an applicable related field of study.

Graduation from a certified Dental assisting program with three years' experience to include previous experience mixing dental materials, taking x-rays, chair side dental assisting skills/knowledge in multiple dental disciplines.

KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of oral bony structure of the face and take diagnostic dental radiographs. Detailed knowledge of tooth anatomy. Knowledge of dental instruments. Determine serviceability and need for replacement. Knowledge of basic dental lab assisting procedures and practices. Knowledge of 4 handed dentistry. SKILLS Knowledge and skill to detect adverse reactions to dental treatment. Required immediate and extreme flexibility and adaptability to ever changing procedures, methods and personalities. ABILITIES Able to select and place rubber dam clamps. Ability to transition between multiple dentist and assist with different types of procedures among different dental disciplines. Ability to work in high volume, fast paced environment and maintain composure and treatment under pressure.

Shift: Days/M-F Pay Band: B3 Salary: Minimum $16.54/hour Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position Recruitment Period: Until Filled Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays. Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University. If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage. Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle. For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation. All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success." Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.