Assistant, Dental Clinic

Dental Program Support

This position supports the daily operations of Northcentral Technical College's Dental Programs and Community Dental Clinic by preparing and maintaining clinical and classroom environments, equipment, instruments, and supplies. Working closely with the Dental Clinic Manager and faculty, this position supports students and patients, assists with clinic operations and patient care activities, and helps ensure a safe, organized, and efficient learning environment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully with or without reasonable accommodation.

Program Operations

• Set up and take down equipment and materials in both the clinic and classroom.
• Receive and organize supplies.
• Conduct routine equipment cleaning and maintenance tasks, including operatory chairs, x-ray units, and dental equipment.
• Provide equipment troubleshooting and minor repairs.
• Perform waterline maintenance on operatory chairs and maintain associated documentation.
• Assist Clinic Manager in maintaining SDS files and safety labels.
• Perform laundry duties for dental programs.
• Prepare outgoing and incoming mail for the dental programs.
• Efficiently manage time to complete tasks promptly.
• Collaborate effectively within the team to achieve objectives.
• Aid faculty and students in both clinic and classroom environments as directed.

Clinic Operations

• Prepare clinic for patients, including opening clinic, turning on suction, and equipment checks.
• Check in and out clinic instruments and equipment, maintaining inventory for the clinic.
• Utilize dental software to assist students and faculty as needed.
• Knowledge of various dental equipment, including lasers, nitrous and simulators to assist students and faculty.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in clinic and storage areas.

Patient Care

• Conduct clinical x-rays under supervision.
• Assist students under faculty guidance in patient care duties.
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service skills to ensure patient satisfaction.
• Handle diverse patient populations with confidentiality and professionalism.

Dental Clinic Support

• Cross train to provide back-up for Assistant, Dental Sterilization.

Minimum Qualifications Required

In limited circumstances, NTC may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Education: One Year Certificate (or Equivalent)

Dental Assistant Technical Diploma, or equivalent knowledge and skills gained through occupational experience.

Experience: 1 Year

Additional Experience Information:

• Minimum of one year of dental clinic experience or dental certificate completion is required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, including language skills, reasoning and mathematical abilities are essential.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, write and comprehend simple instructions, emails and memos; discuss information one-on-one and in small groups.

Math Skills:

Ability to accurately add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure; compute rate, ratio, and percent.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to critically think and solve problems involving a variety of concrete variables with limited standardization; interpret written, oral and diagrammed instructions.

Technical Skills:

Ability to navigate to and between computer applications; read/reply to emails, open/save/close files and applications; find, format and print documents; operate common office equipment.

Customer Service Skills:

Ability to understand complex concerns and formulate solutions; communicate professionally with various audiences in different situations.

Other Requirements

CPR certification

Physical Requirements

Carrying/Lifting 10-25lbs - Medium

Carrying/Lifting 25-50lbs - Low

Carrying/Lifting > 50lbs - Low

Sitting - Low

Standing/walking/climbing - High

Squatting/Crouching/Kneeling/Bending - Medium

Repetitive Hand/Foot Movement - Low

Pushing/Pulling/Reaching Above Shoulder Medium

Work Environment

Indoor/Office Work Environment - High

Outdoor Weather Conditions - N/A

Irritated or Agitated Individuals - Low

Hostile or Violent Individuals - N/A

Hazardous Fumes/Odors/Toxic Chemicals - N/A

Confined Spaces (as identified by OSHA) - N/A

Work-Related Travel - Low

Smell Requirement: Medium

Specific Vision: Medium

Hearing: Medium

Taste: N/A