Description

JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Dental Office Supervisor, and under the general supervision of the Dentist in a clinical setting, Dental Assistant (DA) assists the Dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dentistry.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment; prepares the operatory for the patient visit
2. Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; Collects and records patient health histories
3. Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze and other required supplies.
4. Prepares dental materials—cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
5. Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions
6. Assists with dental charting as appropriate
7. Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
8. Manages the patient during dental procedures
9. Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four- handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs
10. Pour models with no bubbles, properly trim models.
11. At the conclusion of the procedure, assists patient, clears work site of instruments and other materials; follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
12. Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains on-site lab space.
13. Performs, monitors and records all sterilization activities
14. Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
15. Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks operatory
16. Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow
17. Maintain and inventory dental supplies and reorders as necessary; track and verify invoices
18. Clean and sterilize all instruments; help to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
19. Performs other duties as assigned within the Dental Program.
20. Assists with front office and check-in/checkout duties as needed.
21. Support Dental Van and Portable Dental services as needed, work assigned shifts on the dental van and/or with portable dental services when needed.
22. Support Saturday dental clinic as needed, report for scheduled shift when assigned to work such clinic hours.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
• Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs
• Ability to work with Pediatric and Adult patients 

Skills in:

• Is a team player
• Accepts and offers guidance and supervision as appropriate
• Attends and participates in staff meetings to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program
• Places a high value on personal and departmental performance excellence
• Adheres to office dress code and standards of behavior
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Responds professionally to high-pressure situations and time limits
• Works independently with a minimum amount of supervision

Ability to:

• Generate reports regarding patient treatment plans within electronic dental records system. (Schedule patient appointments within eCW).
• Work with considerable exposure to unusual elements such as unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most of the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment
• Flexibility to work in all EDCHC Dental locations as needed.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Licensing Requirements:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Current BLS certification
• Current Dental X-ray Certification
• Completed Board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act
• Completed Board-approved 8-hour course in Infection Control
• Completion of one approved Dental Assisting Pathway:
  
  • Certificate of Completion or Diploma from Dental Assisting Program OR
  • Satisfactory completion of EDCHC’s Dental Assistance Training Program

Transportation:
Must possess a current unrestricted California driver license, have reliable transportation, a clean driving record and auto policy as required by the state of California. Required to submit proof of licensure and insurance.

Physical Requirements:

Normal health center/interior office and clinic movement. Communicate, discern, detect, walk or move about, sit and/or stand for long periods of time, reach, stoop bend, lift up to 25lb. Requires repetitive hand movement; use and view a computer; use of dental tools and equipment; also operate fax, copier, and telephone. Ability to observe and work with patients in the clinic setting. Ability to drive and operate a car.