Dental Assistant - Temporary. Part-Time

Dental Assistant

Under the direction of the Business Manager, performs chair-side assistance duties in all phases of restorative, preventive, prosthodontic, surgical, endodontic, implantation, and periodontal treatment as provided in general dentistry. Incumbent must be able to work in large clinical setting with many ancillary staff and trainees.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Greet patients, schedule appointments, answer telephone, routing calls as appropriate.
2. Record information related to medical history of patient. When required, routes patients for medical tests and services.
3. Chart examination and treatment information as relayed by dentist.
4. Maintain dental equipment in a clean and operative condition. Properly stores and maintains adequate levels of supplies.
5. Prepare, arrange and sterilize all instruments, materials, and surgical trays needed for each treatment, prepares patient and operatory.
6. Assist dentist at chair-side as anticipated or required in all phases of general dentistry; passes instruments and materials to and retrieves them from the dentist, keeps area of operation clear using high-speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation, retracts tissue, tongue and cheek.
7. In surgical procedures maintain aseptic conditions, stabilizes tissue for dentist and cuts sutures.
8. Keep alert to condition of patient during treatment for signs of fainting, shock or other distress.
9. Relay to patient instructions from dentist for post-treatment care.
10. Operate dental x-ray equipment to take intra and extra-oral radiographs, develops and finishes film.
11. Maintain a variety of recurring reports related to dental activities.
12. Pour and rim models from impressions, constructs custom impression trays, base plates, and bite- rims. Coordinates all lab cases in regards to shipping, receiving, and delivery.
13. Practice honesty, dependability, confidentiality regarding all patient matters and adheres to standard HIPAA Guidelines.
14. Participate in outreach events or activities for promoting oral health and program objectives.
15. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures used in all phases of Restorative, Prosthodontic, Oral Surgical, Endodontic and Periodontal Treatment provided in general dentistry to make preparations and provide chair-side assistance;
• Basic knowledge of IV sedation, anesthesia, monitors and delivery of care in a subconscious state is essential;
• Dental anatomy and bony structure of face to take diagnostic dental radiographs;
• Detect signs of syncope, shock or other side reactions to dental treatment in patients;
• Name and number of teeth and tooth surfaces;
• HIPAA requirements;
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

• Interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with patients, interns/externs, co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions;
• Operating and adjusting dental X-ray equipment;
• Act on own initiative according to established instructions;
• Perform recurring tasks without specific instructions;
• Perform a number of clinical support activities, including chair-side assistance and radiographic work, which involve a variety of sequential steps and processes;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints;
• Decide if health education practices and prevention methods are sound and make sense in terms of program objectives and cultural sensitivity;
• Fulfill health requirements of Health Staff and the state of practice;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required:

High School Diploma or G.E.D., and the completion of an accredited Dental Assisting Program. AND Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License; Six (6) months experience as a Dental Assistant is preferred; Special Requirements: Accredited Dental Assistant Program Certification; Must possess Dental Radiography Certification or obtain it within 6 months of Employment; TB Clearance Card. Hepatitis B vaccination required. CPR Certification within 30 days of hire. Must have a current Level 1 Arizona Clearance Card. Failure to maintain a current Level 1 Clearance Card will result in removal from this position.