Dental Assistant

Dental AssistantUnder 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, and technological and more.Involves no responsibility or authority for the direction of othersExternal 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. Oversees and supports 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 ControlPatient Care and Service ExcellenceChairside Dental AssistingEffective CommunicationTeamwork and CollaborationProfessionalism and IntegrityAttention to DetailOrganization and Time ManagementAdaptability and FlexibilityClinical Safety and ComplianceDental Technology and Equipment ProficiencyCritical Thinking and Problem SolvingThe 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 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.Expected Pay Range: $20.74 - $22.82