Registered Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Registered Dental Assistant                                          

Department: Colusa Indian Dental Clinic         

Reports to: Dentist     

Position Title: Registered Dental Assistant       

Classification: Non-Exempt

Position Status: Regular, Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY

Assists dentist during examination & treatment of patients.

The incumbent is expected to work in accordance with the mission, purpose, and values of the Colusa Indian Community Council.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Recognize signs and symptoms of emergency situations and interventions, notifying the dentist as needed;
2. Prepare patient, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist during dental procedures;
3. Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient;
4. Expose dental diagnostic x-rays;
5. Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts;
6. Pour, trim, and polish study casts, fabricate custom impression trays from preliminary impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and fabricate temporary restorations;
7. Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs;
8. Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by Dentist;
9. Record treatment information in patient records;
10. Collaborate with all coworkers in performing duties required to provide patient-focused services that meet all regulatory and licensing standards;
11. Maintain high confidentiality standards at all times.  Is required to sign a confidentiality statement upon acceptance of employment;
12. May perform other duties commensurate with the functions and level of the position.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education : A High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience : Three (3) months of related experience
• Licensing:
  • Current Registered Dental Assistant license
  • Current radiograph certification with the State of California
  • Valid CPR/1st Aid certification
  • Bi-Lingual is highly desirable

SUPERVISORIAL DUTIES: None

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Is tactful, poised, pleasant and diplomatic, exhibiting a positive, professional demeanor to peers, patients, physicians and visitors. Promotes team image and possesses a high degree of flexibility;
• Display a comprehensive knowledge of and ability to implement dental care techniques;
• Has thorough knowledge of dental instrumentation and equipment use and care;
• Proficiency in dental procedures and potential complications;
• Demonstrates cooperation and consideration of other health team members and peers;
• Must be organized, flexible and versatile with the ability to function effectively in stressful situations;
• Must be eager and enthusiastic in promoting the general philosophy of the facility;
• Must be able to maintain patient and facility confidentiality;
• Dedicated hard worker with ability to report to work on a daily basis.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time; 
• Ability to assist patients weighing up to two hundred (200) pounds with getting up and down from dental chairs;
• Good manual dexterity and visual and auditory acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is performed in an office setting which is well-lit, ventilated, and temperature controlled. The noise level is usually low to moderate.
• The incumbent routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, and fax machines.