UNIV - Dental Assistant III, Special Needs - College of Dental Medicine

UNIV - Dental Assistant III, Special Needs - College of Dental Medicine

Charleston, South Carolina

Under the direct supervision of the clinic manager/supervisor and direction of the College of Dental Medicine providers, this position provides clinical assistance and support to providers and specialty resident providers in all aspects of patient care within the CDM clinics.

Performs chairside assisting with four handed dentistry techniques for resident providers as they treat patients. These procedures may range from general dentistry to advanced specialty care requiring general anesthesia management. Responsible for updating patient information in and utilizing the Electronic Health Record as needed for patient care.

Responsible for setting up operatory for dental and surgical procedures. Must maintain a high level of knowledge of all clinical procedures and instrumentation to ensure rooms are set up accurately. Break down and clean operatory after procedures are complete. Maintain and sterilize all dental instruments and equipment. Follow all infection control policies and protocols set forth by MUSC, CDM and the clinic manager. Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with OSHA's procedures, rules and regulations.

Acquire or assist in acquiring all necessary radiographs (i.e. periapical, panoramic, cephalometric, and 3-D imagery, intra oral scans, etc.) while adhering to all x-ray safety standards. These images are captured according to treatment plans or at the direction of CDM Providers.

Assist with all areas of patient care including transport/assistance to and from the waiting area as well as monitoring surgical patients to ensure their safety after receiving anesthesia. Maintain patient confidence and privacy by keeping information confidential.

Maintains dental supplies and inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, placing and expediting orders for supplies and verifying receipt of supplies. Ensures instruments and supplies are maintained and stocked in dental operatories and other areas of the clinic. Provides administrative support in the clinic to include maintaining MSDS notebook, reporting equipment problems and filling out exposure and incident forms.

Contribute to the team effort by assisting in other clinics and by accomplishing related duties as needed as well as any other duties as directed by the clinic manager/supervisor.

Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma, completion of formal training in an ADA accredited dental assisting course and one year of dental assisting experience OR a high school diploma and three continuous years of dental assisting experience. Certification in Radiation Safety required for positions responsible for dental x-rays.