Dental Assistant Senior

Job Summary

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, founded in 1875 in Ann Arbor, is a top-ranked, world-renowned institution for dental education, research, and clinical care. It consistently ranks among the top dental schools globally, offering DDS, dental hygiene, and advanced graduate programs, including a unique program for internationally trained dentists. You will receive and prepare patients for dental treatment. You will prepare work surfaces and materials for use by the dentist. This position will also assist the dentist at chair-side in the treatment of patients. You will also assist with oral examinations and charting under the supervision of the dentist. You will perform dental radiography work and may assist in the development and revision of training procedures and assist in the training of dental students. This position will also keep records of appointments, examinations, treatments, and supplies.

Please Note:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities*

• Assist with a wide variety of chairside procedures using four-handed dentistry in graduate and predoctoral Pediatric Dentistry clinics.
• Assist providers with oral examinations, operative procedures, and other pediatric dental treatments, anticipating provider needs throughout each procedure.
• Provide clinical support and guidance to dental students, graduate residents, and faculty during patient care.
• Assist graduate residents with patient sedation, behavior management, and complex pediatric dental procedures.
• Prepare, position, and support patients for treatment to facilitate efficient four-handed dentistry and promote patient safety and comfort.
• Prepare treatment areas, instruments, and materials prior to patient appointments and maintain appropriate supplies throughout treatment.
• Obtain and document patient vital signs prior to sedation procedures.
• Assist with oral sedation procedures and the management of patients requiring specialized or additional treatment support.
• Work with Pediatric Dentistry residents and faculty in the operating room at Michigan Medicine/University Hospital and in the Hospital Dentistry Clinic (HDC)/Mott Children's Hospital to provide comprehensive dental care using four-handed dentistry.
• Prepare patients, treatment areas, instruments, and materials for hospital-based dental procedures.
• Support residents and faculty during complex dental procedures performed under hospital-based sedation or anesthesia.
• Submit requests for dental supplies, equipment, and other materials needed to support operating room and hospital dentistry services.
• Monitor, organize, and maintain dental supply inventory for operating room procedures and hospital-based dental care.
• Obtain digital dental radiographs in accordance with established procedures, clinical standards, and provider instructions.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels of dental supplies and materials in assigned treatment areas. Maintain dental suction lines and traps to support proper clinic function and infection control.
• Prepare, clean, and process dental instruments for sterilization in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare instruments, materials, equipment, and work surfaces for use by dental providers. Maintain clean, organized, and properly equipped treatment areas to support efficient patient care.
• Assist with the training and clinical education of dental students and provide guidance regarding appropriate chairside procedures and clinical protocols.
• Support students and residents in developing effective four-handed dentistry and clinical assisting techniques.
• Follow and consistently apply current infection prevention and control standards, including applicable OSHA and HIPAA requirements.
• Adhere to departmental, School of Dentistry, Michigan Medicine, and institutional policies and procedures related to patient safety, infection control, clinical care, and confidentiality.

Required Qualifications*

• A certificate of completion from an accredited dental assisting program.
• At least two (2) years dental assisting experience.
• Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is required.
• Knowledge of dental clinic practices and procedures.
• Must be CPR certified.
• Must hold a Radiography Certification (xray).
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with patients, faculty, residents and staff at all times.
• Possess current knowledge of infection control standards pertaining to OSHA and Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Excellent communication skills and attendance record.
• Ability to multi-task and have attention to detail.
• Willingness to work as a team player for the delivery of excellent patient care.
• Maintain license and continuing education.

Desired Qualifications*

• Knowledge of pediatric dental procedures.
• Experience with School of Dentistry policies and EPIC electronic health record.