Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

The Dental Assistant will understand and model the mission of NSO. The DA will understand and practice NSO’s policy on confidentiality in respect to all NSO information.  The DA will exhibit professional behavior in all facets of work at NSO.  The DA will exhibit teamwork with all NSO staff. 

Will work with the dentist and other team members to increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care by performing tasks that require both interpersonal and technical skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Taking digital x-rays with the use of snap-a-ray sensor holders
• Review patient medical history
• Take blood pressure and pulse
• Work closely with the infection control officer to develop infection control protocol
• Preparing and sterilizing instruments and dental equipment
• Ensure patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Ensure patient receives written instructions for care following dental surgery or other dental treatment procedures
• Apply topical drugs prescribed by a dentist
• Take impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts
• Assisting with the supply order as needed, by communicating with the office manager or dental supplier
• Communicating with the dentist and patient to schedule follow up appointments
• Place or remove celluloid, plastic or metallic strips between teeth for subsequent placement or filling by the dentist
• Place or remove rubber dam under supervision of a dentist
• Provide suction/evacuation function
• Assist with maintaining patient charts, clinic progress notes, and NSO clinic records
• Other assigned duties

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must effectively communicate in English orally and in writing.
• Must possess a valid dental assisting permit from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry
• Must have X-ray certification
• Must be able to obtain Nitrous certification within 6 months of hire
• Coronal polishing and Fluoride application certification preferred
• Sealant application certification preferred
• Must possess a valid Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
• Experience working with the homeless and underserved population is preferred.
• Clearance of background check and drug screen. This is a Safety Sensitive Position for purposes of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Act.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Thorough knowledge of dental office and chair-side dental assisting practices, procedures and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of dental terminology and charting practices.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of dental health promotion and prevention.
• Some knowledge of Federal and OSHA regulations for dental clinics.
• Intermediate computer skills with knowledge of Eaglesoft software and digital x-rays preferred
• Requires ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Ability to effectively communicate in English orally and in writing.
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to be culturally sensitive to the needs of the medically indigent.
• Ability to respond to new client needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic clinical environment and to handle multiple demands and responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The work requires lifting of supply boxes in the medium range (up to 30 lbs.)
• The majority of time spent in this position is in a well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation
• Work very near other people and have little space between self and others
• May risk exposure to radiation
• May risk exposure to biohazards and communicable diseases
• May be placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or unpleasant
• Work is performed walking or standing much of the time
• Occasional periods of high stress
• Monday-Friday 8:15am-5:00pm with one Saturday per month.

The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.