Dental Assistant

Empower Successful People to Thrive in a Strong Community Supported by Quality Government

Assist dentists in the routine care of dental patients. Employees in this class render skilled technical assistance to dentists or dental students in the care of dental patients. All duties related to providing chairside patient care are performed under direct supervision of a dentist or dental student. Other duties require extensive knowledge of the operation of dental equipment, sterilization, infection control and general office procedures.

Examples of Duties

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Apply sealant.
• Polishes coronal portion of tooth.
• Prepares and arranges instrument trays for clinic use; passes instruments to dentist.
• Cleans, sterilizes and keeps instruments and equipment in operable condition.
• Operates oral evacuation equipment, retractors and water and air sprays.
• Inventories, receives, checks and stocks supplies and equipment.
• Exposes radiographs.
• Mixes impressions and filling material.
• Completes patient records.
• Provides oral hygiene instructions to patients.
• Takes pulse, blood pressure and temperature.
• Assists dentist in providing all aspects of pediatric dental care in a clinic setting, including front desk duties as assigned.

Recruitment standards:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of dental equipment, instruments and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of preparation methods and dental materials.
• Ability to deal tactfully with patients.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

Must qualify as a Dental Assistant II as defined by the state of North Carolina's Dental Assistant levels with one year of experience as a Dental Assistant.

Dental Assistant II requirements:

• Completion of a CODA-accredited dental assistant program; OR one year in a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program; OR pass the national DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam; OR proof of completion of two years (3,000 hours) of chairside assisting under direct control and supervision of a NC licensed dentist.
• CPR certified
• Complete a 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control; complete a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies
• X-ray certification
• Qualified to perform coronal polishing
• Sealant certification

Preferred qualifications:

Graduate of an accredited Dental Assisting Program or Office Trained. If the candidate is office trained, they must present documentation of at least two years (3,000 hours) of chairside assisting, during which period the assistant has been allowed to perform most of the functions of a DA II under the direct control and supervision of a North Carolina licensed dentist. The office trained candidate must complete a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies, as well as, a 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control. In addition, the candidate must have obtained a radiology certificate, coronal polishing certificate and must be efficient in placing sealants.

Location of position:

The Chandler Building in Greensboro is the primary work location, however travel to the High Point Clinic on various days or every other week is required.

Physical demands and work conditions:

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to do extensive reading and to use measurement devices. May require driving. This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.

Special note:

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions. Candidates must reside within a two-hour driving radius of Guilford County to be considered for employment.