Dental Assistant

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well‑being and professional growth. Here Is What We Offer Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work‑Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! Basic Function Under the supervision of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant is responsible for a wide range of tasks in the dental office. The Dental Assistant position is the most flexible and requires a diverse set of skills: clinical, clerical, interpersonal, technological and more.

SUPERVISORY

Involves no responsibility or authority for the direction of others. Nature And Scope External contacts include a variety of third‑party payers, healthcare organizations, students, faculty, patients and other healthcare personnel.

PRINCIPAL

Accountabilities Prepare assigned clinical areas for patient care sessions in accordance with established clinical, safety, and infection control protocols. Prepare treatment rooms, equipment, instruments, and materials for patient care and student clinical activities. Welcome, escort, seat, and prepare patients for treatment by ensuring their comfort, reviewing appointment readiness, and following prescribed clinical protocols. Support faculty, residents, and dental students during patient care by providing chairside assistance as requested. Select, prepare, mix, and dispense dental materials in accordance with manufacturer instructions and clinical protocols. Clean, sterilize, package, and distribute instruments and equipment in compliance with OSHA, CDC, institutional, and infection prevention standards. Monitor and maintain clinical instrument inventory by ensuring instrument cassettes are complete, damaged instruments are identified and replaced, and instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and stored each day. Maintain treatment rooms, operatories, and assigned clinical areas in a clean, organized, and operational state throughout the clinical session. Oversee and support dental students during the acquisition of diagnostic dental radiographs by ensuring compliance with clinical protocols, radiation safety standards, infection control requirements, and applicable federal, state, and University regulations while promoting patient safety and comfort. Ensure proper operation of dental equipment by performing routine maintenance checks, identifying equipment malfunctions, coordinating repairs, and reporting equipment concerns promptly. Maintain adequate inventories of clinical supplies and materials by monitoring stock levels, communicating supply needs, receiving deliveries, and organizing inventory. Assist in the management of medical and dental emergencies by maintaining current CPR certification, ensuring emergency equipment and supplies are available, and following established emergency response procedures. Educate patients, as directed, regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, preventive care, and post‑operative instructions. Accurately document patient care activities in the electronic dental record, when assigned, in accordance with College and clinical documentation standards. Maintain patient confidentiality and safeguard protected health information in compliance with HIPAA and University policies. Adhere to all infection prevention, safety, radiation, and regulatory requirements to protect patients, students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Utilize dental equipment, instruments, and supplies responsibly to promote operational efficiency and cost‑effective resource management. Provide excellent customer service by responding professionally and courteously to patients, students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Communicate effectively by reading and responding to email and other official College communications in a timely manner. Cross‑cover clinical assignments throughout the College of Dentistry as directed by the Clinical Manager or Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to support operational needs. Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain competency and remain current with advances in dental assisting and clinical practice. Support the College of Dentistry's educational mission by fostering a collaborative learning environment and assisting faculty and students during clinical instruction. Contribute to departmental and organizational goals by working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and administration. Perform other related duties as assigned. Core Competencies Infection Prevention and Control Patient Care and Service Excellence Chairside Dental Assisting Effective Communication Teamwork and Collaboration Professionalism and Integrity Attention to Detail Organization and Time Management Adaptability and Flexibility Clinical Safety and Compliance Dental Technology and Equipment Proficiency Critical Thinking and Problem Solving The incumbent maintains dental equipment in accordance with established clinical protocols and manufacturer guidelines; properly stores and manages dental supplies; and prepares instruments and treatment areas for patient care. The incumbent provides patient care appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, cultural, and developmental needs of adult patients. The incumbent demonstrates professionalism by communicating with patients, students, faculty, staff, and visitors in a courteous, respectful, and service‑oriented manner. The incumbent maintains patient confidentiality and information security in compliance with HIPAA, University policies, and applicable regulations.

MINIMUM

Requirements HS diploma, completion of an accredited course in dental assisting and OSHA training certification, and current certification. Must be currently licensed as a Level I or Level II dental assistant with a full, current, and unrestricted license for the District of Columbia. Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment. Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Expected Pay Range: $20.74 - $22.82 #J-18808-Ljbffr Howard University