Clinical Dental Assistant-Diagnostic Sciences & Oral Med

Job Description

Market Range: 05

Hiring Salary: $19.10/Hourly

JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, the Clinical Dental Assistant provides chairside dental assistance and clinical support for faculty, residents, students, and patients within the Oral Diagnosis Clinic. Responsibilities include patient intake and preparation, diagnostic imaging, assistance with oral examinations, instrument processing and sterilization, electronic health record documentation, and general clinic operations. This position may also provide administrative and front desk support as needed.

Responsibilities

1. Prepares operatories and clinical areas for patient evaluation and treatment.
2. Assists faculty, residents, students, and patients during diagnostic evaluations, consultations, and other patient care activities within the Department of Diagnostic Sciences.
3. Obtains and records medical histories, vital signs, chief complaints, and other relevant clinical information.
4. Documents clinical findings, consultations, and patient care activities within the electronic health record.
5. Assists with the collection, processing, and documentation of approved clinical and research specimens.
6. Ensures compliance with OSHA, CDC, and institutional infection-control standards.
7. Maintains inventory of clinical supplies, biopsy materials, and radiographic equipment.
8. Cleans, disinfects, sterilizes, packs, and prepares instruments and equipment for clinical use.
9. Collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and other clinical departments to support patient care, educational activities, and the service mission of the College of Dentistry.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

High School Diploma or GED. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)


EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year of experience working in a dental office or academic institution. Must maintain registration as a licensed dental assistant in the State of Tennessee. Nitrous Oxide Monitoring and Radiology Certification required. (PROOF OF LICENSURE IS REQUIRED).


LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in the State of Tennessee, with certification in radiology and nitrous oxide monitoring is required. Must acquire and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. Must maintain TN state dental assistant licensure. (PROOF OF LICENSURE IS REQUIRED)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of dental diagnostic procedures, infection control principles, and radiographic safety practices.
• Strong communication and computer skills, including experience with electronic health record systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, patients, and external stakeholders while working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic healthcare environment.

WORK SCHEDULE :

This position may occasionally work evenings.