Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Brockport, NY (

Description

Position Summary:

Assists dentists and dental hygienists in providing oral care to patients. Assists in general operation, maintenance of inventory, and housekeeping as it pertains to infection and exposure control.

Job Responsibilities:

Customer Service:

• Greets, seats and inquiries about patient needs

• Informs provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints and concerns.

• Dismisses patient when provider has completed treatment

Assisting Techniques:

• Under the direction of the Dentist, pours models, trims study models and box impressions with wax.

• Assists in oral surgery, preventative, and restorative dentistry.

• Assists Dentist and Dental Hygienists at chair side by:

• Setting up appropriate trays and materials

• Preparing operatory

• Informing provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints and concerns

• Utilizing four-handed assisting technique

• Preparing and processes dental materials

• Completing simple dental repairs

Radiographs:

• Takes radiographs per order/protocol

• Mounts in computer prints using digital technology

• Maintains adequate radiograph supplies

• Takes accurate radiography including contrast, no cone cutting, etc.

• Records radiographs appropriately in patients electronic record.

Dental Record:

• Maintains and respects confidentiality

• Determines appropriateness of releasing professional information using established guidelines

• Utilizes appropriate dental terms and abbreviations

• Reviews health history

• Takes appropriate vital signs at every visit

• Takes dental/periodontal dictation as needed from the dentist or hygienist

• Documents patient complaints

• Documents radiographs taken

• Enters information into EHR

• Fills out appropriate consent forms and has ready for dentist to sign

NYSDOH and OSHA guidelines:

• Attends annual in-service program on hazardous substance and infection control.

• Proper handling of hazardous substances

• Proper handling of infectious waste

• Utilizes universal precautions/adhere to all exposure control protocols

• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment

• Proper handling of sharps and sharps containers

• Cleans and sterilizes equipment according to infection control/sterilization policies and procedures, and manufacturer’s instructions for use

• Maintains current Red Cross/American Heart Association CPR Certification

Maintenance:

• Changes alginate tray solutions and ultrasonic solutions as needed.

• Cleans and disinfects operatories between patients

• Maintains a supply of tray set ups

• Keeps all logs: ie: autoclave, refrigerator, etc. up to date

• Cleans and lubricates high and slow speed hand pieces

• Cleans and disposes of burs according to procedure.

• Assists with the inventory control system and restocking the laboratory.

• Runs appropriate solution through HVE system at end of day

• Checks expiration dates on sterilized instruments

• Supply ordering and maintaining inventory

• Turns equipment on and off at the beginning and end of day

• Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work area

Communication/Participation:

• Communicates effectively with patients, members of the dental team, administrative team and co-workers in other departments

• Actively participates in group problem solving

• Attends departmental and organizational meetings

• Participates in quality assurances and continuous improvement activities

• Any other reasonable requests from management

Requirements

Skills/Qualifications:

• Willingness to provide exceptional care

• Basic computer literacy

Education/Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• Prior dental experience preferred

• Completion of a recognized dental assisting program preferred