Licensed Practical Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Dental Assistant

Location: Columbus, MS 39710

Pay rate: $25/hr.

Schedule: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (M-F) | Approx. 40 hours weekly

Duration: 12 months with possible extension up to 5 years

Overview

The Dental Assistant provides chairside clinical support to dentists and assists in the delivery of comprehensive dental care. The role includes patient scheduling, radiography, sterilization of instruments, maintaining dental equipment, patient education, and administrative support in a military treatment facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist dentists during restorative, prosthodontic, oral surgery, endodontic, and periodontal procedures.

• Receive, schedule, and prepare patients for treatment.

• Obtain and document medical histories and treatment information.

• Sterilize instruments, materials, and equipment and prepare surgical trays.

• Maintain dental equipment in clean and operational condition.

• Perform chairside dental assisting duties and approved intraoral procedures.

• Take preliminary impressions for study models.

• Remove sutures, rubber dams, perio-packs, matrix bands, and wedges as directed.

• Educate patients on dental hygiene, appliance care, and preventive oral health practices.

• Operate dental X-ray equipment and obtain intraoral and extraoral radiographs.

• Maintain and perform minor maintenance on radiographic equipment.

• Pour and trim dental models and fabricate vacuum-formed dental appliances.

• Maintain recurring reports and documentation related to dental operations.

• Coordinate referrals to off-base dental specialists.

• Assist with training and mentoring junior dental assistants

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen.

• Completion of one of the following:

  • CODA-accredited Dental Assistant program with relevant experience.

  • Military Dental Assistant/Dental Technician training with experience.

  • Red Cross Dental Assistant training with experience.

  • 36 months of dental assisting experience within the previous 60 months.

  • State-accredited Dental Assistant program graduate.

• Certification in radiography as required by federal regulations.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.