Dental assistant

Dental AssistantAssists dentists with patient care and follow-up providing direct and indirect patient care in a clinical setting. The Dental Assistant performs duties such as; prepare the patient for treatment, assist the dentist in performing their treatment to the patient in preventative and restorative dentistry or oral surgery, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for dentist's use, take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments, ordering supplies, and aiding with dental billing.Supervision Received:Reports to the Dental Clinic ManagerEssential Job Responsibilities:Demonstrates ability to carry out skills as outlined in the Dental Policies and Procedures for clinical areas including preparing patients, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting dentist during dental proceduresGreets patients and escort them to work areaWork with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair and to prepare them for treatments and proceduresReview the health history, make chart entries and assure that forms are signed and completedSterilize dental instrumentsMaintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control proceduresPrepare the work area for patient treatment by setting out instruments and materialsEnsure clinic areas are kept stocked at acceptable levelsAssists the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentistHelp dentist by handing them instruments during proceduresKeep patients' mouths dry by using suction hoses and other equipmentInstruct patients in proper dental hygiene and dietary instructionsCheck equipment daily to ensure accurate functioningExpose, process and mount radiographsEnsure that all activities completed are charted within the patient's recordEnsure patient flow is timely and accurate throughout the unitComplete billing charges at the end of each treatmentAll dental assistants complete tasks, such as helping dentists with procedures and keeping patient records, but there are four regulated tasks that Registered Dental Assistants may perform.Coronal polishingSealant applicationFluoride applicationTopical anesthetics applicationMinimum Qualifications:High School Graduate or GEDCurrent certification in Cardiopulmonary ResuscitationDemonstrate knowledge of dental health education subjectsPreferred Education and Qualifications:Certification as a Registered Dental AssistantExpanded Function LicensesN2O CertificationWorking Conditions:Perform all duties in a manner that promotes team concept and reflects the Community Health Center mission and philosophyWillingness to work a flexible schedule when circumstances necessitatePhysical Demands: Lifting, bending, reaching, pushing, carrying, sitting, vision corrected in normal range, hearing corrected in normal rangeHazardous Conditions: Exposure to infectious diseases; potential exposure to physical violenceExposed to: Cold/heat controls, close contact with sick patientsMultiple Duties: Must be able to work under conditions of constant interruption and be able to stay on task.This job description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may change as organizational needs evolve.