Dental Assistant

Dental AssistantAssists 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 ResponsibilitiesCustomer Service:Greets, seats and inquires about patient needsInforms provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints and concerns.Dismisses patient when provider has completed treatmentAssisting 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 materialsPreparing operatoryInforming provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints and concernsUtilizing four-handed assisting techniquePreparing and processes dental materialsCompleting simple dental repairsRadiographs:Takes radiographs per order/protocolMounts in computer prints using digital technologyMaintains adequate radiograph suppliesTakes accurate radiography including contrast, no cone cutting, etc.Records radiographs appropriately in patients electronic record.Dental Record:Maintains and respects confidentialityDetermines appropriateness of releasing professional information using established guidelinesUtilizes appropriate dental terms and abbreviationsReviews health historyTakes appropriate vital signs at every visitTakes dental/periodontal dictation as needed from the dentist or hygienistDocuments patient complaintsDocuments radiographs takenEnters information into EHRFills out appropriate consent forms and has ready for dentist to signNYSDOH and OSHA guidelines:Attends annual in-service program on hazardous substance and infection control.Proper handling of hazardous substancesProper handling of infectious wasteUtilizes universal precautions/adhere to all exposure control protocolsWears appropriate personal protective equipmentProper handling of sharps and sharps containersCleans and sterilizes equipment according to infection control/sterilization policies and procedures, and manufacturer's instructions for useMaintains current Red Cross/American Heart Association CPR CertificationMaintenance:Changes alginate tray solutions and ultrasonic solutions as needed.Cleans and disinfects operatories between patientsMaintains a supply of tray set upsKeeps all logs: ie: autoclave, refrigerator, etc. up to dateCleans and lubricates high and slow speed hand piecesCleans 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 dayChecks expiration dates on sterilized instrumentsSupply ordering and maintaining inventoryTurns equipment on and off at the beginning and end of dayMaintains a safe, clean, and orderly work areaCommunication/Participation:Communicates effectively with patients, members of the dental team, administrative team and co-workers in other departmentsActively participates in group problem solvingAttends departmental and organizational meetingsParticipates in quality assurances and continuous improvement activitiesAny other reasonable requests from managementRequirementsSkills/Qualifications:Willingness to provide exceptional careBasic computer literacyEducation/Experience:High School diploma or equivalent.Prior dental experience preferredCompletion of a recognized dental assisting program preferred