DENTAL ASSISTANT

Dental Clinic Assistant

This employee provides advanced remediable intra-oral dental tasks/procedures during examination and treatment of patients. Performs clinical support functions essential for the operation of a dental clinic. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of: Principals and working properties of various dental restorative materials. Proper use of equipment, instruments, and supplies used in performance of comprehensive dental treatment. Proper maintenance of dental equipment including hand pieces, vacuum, compressor, automatic processor, dental unit, and autoclave. CDC, OSHA, and State Dental Board rules and requirements concerning infection control rules and regulations. Safe handling of contaminated instruments and waste. Potential for exposure to HIV, HBV, TD, STDs, etc. Basic life support in the management of dental emergencies. Skills and techniques used in assistance with provision of four-handed dentistry.

Skill to: Operate a computer utilizing the appropriate software related to assigned area of responsibility. Input appropriate data into computer system. Operate equipment and instruments used in performance of assigned dental procedures. Expose, process, and mount dental radiographs. Pour and trim study models. Place dental restorative materials – metallic & non-metallic. Place sealants. Communicate in lay terms to dental patients.

Ability to: Perform dental charting (dental and periodontal). Perform assigned four-handed dentistry tasks. Maintain instruments and equipment used in examination and treatment of dental patients. Provide oral hygiene instructions. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Interpret and clearly explain procedures, situations, and policies to the public as well as to other employees. Write legibly, clearly, and concisely using proper English. Reduce a complaint or problem to writing for recording purposes. Listen effectively. Prioritize calls and requests. Perform mathematical calculations. Organize work and follow directions, both oral and written. Show sensitivity toward the needs of patients. Manage patients with anxiety, mental illnesses, or mental retardation. Handle difficult customers or situations in a calm and professional manner. Work in a fast paced environment. Work and make decisions with little supervision.

Required Education and Experience: Each applicant must have the equivalency of a high school diploma plus training or three years of experience as a chairside Dental Assistant. Other requirements: Must have a valid Driver's License. Must have a Dental Assistant Radiographer License from the Ohio State Dental Board.

Working and Physical Conditions: Placement of sealants. Placement of restorative materials: amalgam, non-metallic, and direct bonding materials. Aspiration and retraction, excluding placement of gingival retraction materials. Intra-oral instrument transfer. Preliminary charting of missing and filled teeth. Elastomeric impressions for diagnostic models and models to be used for opposing models in construction of appliances and restorations. Taking impressions for the construction of custom trays. Shade selection for fabrication of appliances or restorations. Applications of topical anesthetics. Removal of periodontal dressings (packs). Pulp testing. Fluoride application, limited to liquid or gel applications. Topical applications of desensitizing agents to teeth. Application of periodontal dressings (packs). Suture removal. Placement of rubber dam over preplaced clamp and removal of clamp and rubber dam. Application of cavity varnish. Placement and removal of surgical dressings. Intra-oral bite registrations. Repair, construction, and finishing of metallic and plastic prosthetic devises. Irrigation and drying of canals during endodontic procedures. Placement of medication in the pulp chamber(s) of teeth with non-vital pulp or instrumented canals. Seat and dismiss patients. Assist patients in completion of forms. Perform direct, four-handed assistance to dentist or dental hygienist during dental treatment. Record examination findings and treatment on patients' charts. Expose, process, and mount dental radiographs. Pour and trim study models. Provide oral hygiene instructions to patients Make, confirm, and coordinate patient appointments. Keep dental operatories clean, sanitary, and organized. Sterilize instruments and maintain instruments in treatment trays. Perform routine tasks related to daily/weekly/maintenance of equipment. Assist with clinic inventory and ensure that laboratory work has been returned. Prepare records and reports. Assists those contacted in the course of duty in an effective, efficient, and professional manner.

Probationary Period: Four months

Supervision Exercised: None