Float Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Under general supervision, the Dental Assistant provides a range of clinical, administrative, and staff support for the Dental Clinic. He/she assists in the performance of dental and radiography procedures, prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies in accordance with established protocol, procedures, policies, and standards, and assists in the coordination of day-to-day patient administration, records management, and office support activities.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides chair side assistance to dentists and/or dental hygienists in the performance of dental procedures.
• Prepares, sterilizes, organizes, and sets up dental equipment; ensures that all dental instruments are cleaned, and processed according to established clinic standards.
• Maintains dental equipment such as compressors, evacuator systems, and sterilizers in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.
• Exposes and processes dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders.
• Orders and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies.
• Interacts with and processes dental clinic patients; schedules appointments, performs telephone triage, and conducts patient interviews.
• Creates and maintains dental records in accordance with established procedures.
• Follows and maintains all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards for the provision of dental clinical services.
• Participates in all appropriate team meetings and required training sessions.
• Participates in other clinical or administrative projects as assigned by the Director, Dental Services.
• All other duties as assigned.

The Dental Assistant is sensitive to cultural, spiritual and practical needs of resident, families, guests and staff members in all interactions. He/she provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by patients, residents, families and coworkers, and adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. The Dental Assistant reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of resident, patient and work areas, and follows Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques. He/she demonstrates an understanding of their role in facility safety plans and procedures related to fire, weather and other disasters.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Certified Dental Assistant is preferred but will train if approved by the Director of Dental Services
• 6 months experience preferred that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified
• Current knowledge of and ability to follow a full range of dental clinical procedures.
• Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment.
• Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.
• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
• Knowledge of radiation safety procedures, standards, and protocols.
• Excellent communication, organization and time management skills
• Ability to expose dental radiographs.
• Knowledge of sterile procedures.
• Ability to pass a Level II Background Screening.

Physical/Mental Demands & Working Conditions

• Transportation and a valid driver's license with the ability to travel locally. This position will be shared between the downtown and village locations. Work schedule will be determined by clinical needs.
• Physically able to work in a fast paced environment
• Works in a typical clinical office setting
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, and lean over patients in a stationary position for long periods of time