Senior Dental Assistant

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About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other.


Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.


The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at


Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at .


Location

Augusta University ¿


Our Health Sciences Campus:

1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912


Our Summerville Campus:

2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904


College/Department Information

The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, we provide dental education to the next generation of professionals by offering hands-on education through innovative research, patient care, and service. Join other dental providers to improve the oral health of Georgia and beyond. The DCG was founded to provide the people of Georgia with quality dental care by educating students in dentistry. As a patient, you have the option to receive treatment in one of our three different practice models consisting of student clinics, resident care, or in the faculty practice. All dental treatments can be completed by the specialists in our facility. We also serve patients in more than 20 clinics across Georgia.


Job Summary

The Senior Dental Assistant performs extra-oral chair-side assisting duties in all phases of disciplines of dentistry in the Dental Associates clinic, including emergency dentistry, restorative, pediatric, orthodontic, prosthodontic, endodontic, oral surgery, implant surgeries, and periodontics assisting. Other related work will also be required, including, but not limited to, preventive and daily maintenance of dental operators and equipment, clerical assignments, and radiological and receptionist responsibilities. Performs dental laboratory duties, including but not limited to pouring and trimming molds and fabricating bleaching trays, mouth guards, splints, and night guards. Serves as a liaison for patients, staff, students, residents, and faculty within the Dental College. Working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment involving many different procedures in multiple dentistry disciplines.


Responsibilities

The duties include, but are not limited to:

CHAIR SIDE ASSISTANCE:

Assist dental students, residents and /or faculty at chair side as anticipated or required in all phases of dentistry utilizing techniques for 4 handed dentistry.

Place matrix bands & wedges; Keeps area of operation clear using high speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation, retracts tissue, tongue and cheek

Maintains aseptic condition and stabilizes tissue in surgical procedures:

• Itch, prime, bond for composite
• CPD & FPO framework try-in
• Cementation of crown & bridge
• Place retraction cord
• Assists with border molds
• Implant Surgeries
• Polish comal portion of the tooth
• Place packing for dry socket
• Hybrid dentures
• Fabricate crowns and clean Provisionals after cementation

Follow all published guidelines regarding personal protective gear and clinical infection control protocol, i.e. Aware of the MSDS sheets handle and dispose of hazardous materials.

INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUCTION:

Cleaning, packing, and maintaining instruments and equipment required, including sending to and retrieving from central sterilization as needed for daily production. Ensure all implant kits (surgical and restorative) are complete and in good working order. Prepares sterile trays for surgical procedures.

Exercises skill in motivating the patient to engage in preventive dental care practices by providing instruction, including demonstrations in brushing and flossing techniques, and explaining the common causes of tooth decay. Answers questions for a clear understanding of treatment.

LABORATORY DUTIES:

Laboratory duties include pouring prosthodontic models from impressions, cleaning and trimming models, boxing and waxing impressions; constructing custom impression trays, night guards, mouth guards, bleaching trays, polishing denture and prosthodontic appliances, and making bite rims. Take face bows and mount the cast with face bows to obtain proper occlusion for cast restorations and reline dentures with hard and soft materials.

RADIOGRAPHY:

Performs a full range of dental radiography work.

Operates dental x-ray equipment to include taking routine and specialized radiographs as requested.

Take panorex, periapical occlusal, lateral, jaw, and extra-oral radiographs as required.

Develops and mounts radiographs into the patient electronic recording Axium.

Communicates with the patient, explaining the purpose of the procedure and answering any concerns regarding dental radiographs.

FOLLOW-UP:

Charts findings into the software system as recorded by the dentist and updates medical health histories. Assist in appointing patients for follow-up care.

GUIDELINES:

Follow all published guidelines regarding personal protective gear and clinical infection control protocol established by federal, state, Augusta University, or Dental College of Georgia policies. This includes but is not limited to proper disposal of syringes, needles, and scalpel blades, proper handling of contaminated items, and proper disposal of hazardous materials.

Provide dental assisting services to as needed with Health Fairs both on campus and off campus. This may be assisting faculty with screenings or providing educational materials to participants, answering questions, and promoting the Dental College.

Follow the organization's incident reporting protocol in case of a medical emergency. Be prepared to perform certain procedures until professional help is available.

PREPARE:

Preparing the operator for treatment. Laying out correct instruments & specific materials as required for the procedure, setting up, and draping the patient, explaining to the patient the treatment procedures to be done, mixing material for impression & restoration, or assembling syringes for anesthesia. May require setting up an operator for surgery, ensuring all fields are appropriately draped, and creating a sterile environment. Assist in other specialty areas when needed, as the work schedule allows.

Provide dental assisting services to off-campus sites where dental education/ services are performed by the Dental College of Georgia/Augusta University as needed. This requires personal transportation to and from these sites with mileage reimbursement.

Required to work ADEX (CRDTS) and Mock boards, as well as other special board certification exercises, throughout the year as needed. This can involve weekend work.

OTHER: Perform other job duties as assigned by the Dental Assistant Team Supervisor.


Required Qualifications

High school diploma, or GED, or equivalent from a recognized State or Federal accrediting organization with two years of related experience.

OR

Certified Dental Assistant and/or Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with one year of experience in dentistry

OR

One year experience as a Dental Assistant at the Dental College of Georgia.

OR

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with dental knowledge.


Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a focus in dental or health-related studies.

Graduation from a Certified Dental Assisting program.

Current CPR certification.

Intraoral Radiographic Certification and training in radiological safety.

Minimum of two years of experience as a dental assistant in a general dentistry or multi-specialty practice, including hands-on experience in:

a.) Mixing dental materials

b.) Taking intraoral and panoramic x-rays

c.) Chairside dental assisting in multiple dental disciplines, such as: Operative, Crown and Bridge, Removable Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Esthetic Dentistry

Proficiency in spoken Spanish in a clinical setting.

Certification as a Dental Surgical Anesthesia Assistant or the ability to obtain this certification within the first year of employment.


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer software and databases.

Knowledge of instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures.

Knowledge of 4 handed dental procedures and chair side dental assisting skills.

Knowledge of oral bony structure of the face and take diagnostic dental radiographs; detailed knowledge of tooth anatomy, able to select and place rubber dam clamps.

Knowledge of dental instruments to determine service ability and need for replacement.

Knowledge of basic dental lab assisting procedures and practices.

Knowledge and skill to detect adverse reactions to dental treatment.

Knowledge of 4 handed dentistry and infection control protocols, equipment, materials and methods.

SKILLS

Chair side dental assisting skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Organizational and interpersonal skills

ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Detail and team oriented

Prioritize tasks, complete work, and meet deadlines

Ability to effectively interact with dental assistant, students, faculty and staff.

Good manual dexterity and the ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds.

Ability to learn sterilization principles, procedures, equipment and patient management software.


Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days M/F

Pay Grade: B5

Salary: Minimum $17.88/hour

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: Until Filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!


Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.


Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."

Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.


How To Apply

Consider applying with us today!

Applicants are encouraged to tailor their resumes to the position of interest by clearly highlighting relevant work experience and skills gained from previous employment. Resumes should reflect how your background aligns with the qualifications and responsibilities of the role.

Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university

Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee


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