Dental Assistants

Summary

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: The mission of Mid-State Health Center is to provide sound primary care to the community, accessible to all regardless of their ability to pay.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:Under general supervision, dental assistants provide technical assistance to dental professionals in clinical dental care; and perform related duties as assigned. A dental assistant functions both as dental clinical and office assistant.Dental assistant duties mostly consist of preparing the patient for the dental examination, sterilizing instruments, assisting the dentist during dental procedures, and doing front-office work. Front-office job duties might include helping patients schedule appointments and working with equipment suppliers to handle deliveries.

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1.Certified in Preliminary Inspection of the Oral Cavity.
2.Certified in Infection Control.
3.Certified in Radiology.
4.Answer patient questions before an appointment.
5.Greet patient in reception area and escort patient to dental clinic at appointment.
6.Prepare patients for dental procedures by making them comfortable and providing any instructions.
7.Review medical and dental history, determine if there have been any changes in the patients’ health since last visit and alert dentist to any significant findings.
8.Perform preliminary inspection of the oral cavity.
9.Obtain vital signs from patient if requested by the dentist.
10.Sterilize dental instruments and equipment, and place for easy access.
11.Prepare the dental exam room for use by the dentist by making sure it is stocked and organized.
12.Assist the dentist during procedures, including passing instruments, getting supplies, using the suction tube to keep the patient’s mouth dry and being familiar with the procedures.
13.Assist and perform dental impressions as allowed.
14.Assist with dental lab work.
15.Place and remove gingival retraction cord.
16.Place amalgam prior to condensing by a dentist.
17.Remove sutures and dressings.
18.Apply topical fluoride.
19.Place and remove rubber dams.
20.Place cavity liners and bases.
21.Place and remove matrices.
22.Perform pulpal vitality testing procedures.
23.Place and remove temporary restorations.
24.Apply topical anesthetics.
25.Apply desensitizing agents.
26.Make bite registrations.
27.Place and remove dry socket medications.
28.Instruct patients on dental hygiene and proper care of dental fixtures.
29.Schedule follow-up appointments.
30.Make follow-up phone calls.
31.Perform support tasks needed in the clinic, such as maintenance of equipment, laundry, cleaning as requested by the dental director.
32.Keep patient records.
33.Demonstrate strong computer skills and willingness to be trained in clinical software.
34.Coordinate referrals generated by the dental department, sending and obtain radiographs and health records as needed.
35.Support the front desk staff in completing and explaining treatment plans.
36.Maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies.
37.Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
38.Maintain dental equipment per manufacturer guidelines.
39.Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational courses; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks.
40.Other duties assigned by Dental Director.

Requirements

EDUCATION: High School Graduate or GED
EXPERIENCE:Experience preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:Qualified dental assistant including certification in Preliminary Inspection of the Oral Cavity, Infection Control, and Radiology.

SKILLS and APTITUDES/KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES:

1.Working with people. Dental assistants routinely work with patients who are in pain, are in a hurry, or don’t want to be there. Excellent people skills is a requirement.
2.Explaining things. Dental assistants spend a lot of time explaining things such as dental hygiene, proper care of dental fixtures, and proper use of toothbrushes and other dental tools.
3.Staying focused. While the dentist is working on a patient, the dental assistant should be able to pay close attention and anticipate the dentist’s needs. Attention to detail is important.
4.Staying organized. Part of a dental assistant’s job description involves organizing clinical areas as well as clerical/patient support areas

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Work requires hand dexterity for adequate performance of required tasks, mobility to complete errands or deliveries, and sitting, standing, bending or stooping for extended periods of time. The employee is regularly asked to perform repetitive tasks. Occasionally the employee is asked to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pound and assist patients physically. Work requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range as well as hand-eye coordination. Employee uses written and communication skills, reads and interprets data, analyzes and solves routine problems, observes and interprets people and conditions, performs highly detailed work, interacts frequently with others including people who may be anxious or upset.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a clinical environment. Work involves almost constant contact with patients. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive. Contact involves dealing with sick people. Contact involves possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Benefits

Health Insurance - Dental Insurance - Vision Insurance - Tuition Reimbursement - Life Insurance - 403(b) with match - FSA - EAP - Cancer insurance - accident insurance - paid time off - paid holidays - professional development assistance –