Dental Assistant-Full Time

Dental Assistant

The dental assistant provides clinical support to the Department of Oral Medicine. The dental assistant works cooperatively with the Section Chief, Director and the staff dentists to deliver oral care to the clients of Broadlawns Medical Center.

Characteristic Duties

• Prepares operatory/clinic -Full areas for treatment activities by placing necessary instruments, supplies and equipment in the proper arrangement for the procedure to be performed.
• Cleans, disinfects, sterilizes and maintains dental instruments and equipment.
• Performs minor equipment repair, replenishes clinic supplies.
• Maintains documents for equipment maintenance and instrument/supply inventory.
• Assists dental providers at chairside and in special settings in providing treatment to patients with varying age-related, physical, psychosocial and cultural needs.
• Provides patient education within the limits of standard procedure that is appropriate for the patient's age, educational, physical and mental condition.
• Clearly communicates with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds to include, but is not limited to, language barriers.
• Maintains and completes patient records consistent with clinic policy and procedure.
• Exposes digital dental radiographs, creates duplicate radiographs with traditional film as needed. Provides laboratory support, taking impressions, pouting and trimming study models and fabricating custom trays.
• Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist in accordance with the Iowa Dental Practice Act including tooth polishing, vital signs measurement, fluoride application and primary impressions. Assists in completing referrals as instructed by the attending dentist.
• Assists in the orientation of dental and dental assisting students and participate in instructional seminars.
• Provides assistance to the dental hygienist as needed.
• Attends department and medical center meetings and training programs as requested.
• Assists with business office procedures as needed and as patients schedule permits.
• Attends continuing education programs as required by license and to maintain skills.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Performance Standards

• Provides consistently positive support to all individuals.
• Completes clinical and administrative assignments independently in a consistently accurate and timely manner.
• Provide positive customer service and maintains service excellence standards at all times.
• Utilizes department equipment and supplies in an appropriate and fiscally responsible manner. Patient care productivity is consistent with department goals.
• Demonstrates willingness and ability to function as part of the dental team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current State of Iowa certification in dental radiography.
• Current State of Iowa dental assistant registration.
• Graduate from an accredited dental assisting program or one (1) year relevant work experience

Broadlawns Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer