Department: ORTHO

U.M. FDSP Associates is a non-profit affiliate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. U.M. FDSP Associates is the organization that provides patient care focused staffing for the clinic operations so that faculty and students may provide patient care to the general public

We offer paid vacation, sick leave, personal days, and 12 Federal paid holidays. Additionally, we offer medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance benefits. We also offer 401K with an employer match up to six percent. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday with no weekends.

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, assists Program Director in the daily clinical and operational support of the Postgraduate Orthodontic Program to include providing chair side clinical assistance to residents and undergraduate dental students, primarily performs chair side dental assisting requiring experience in the Orthodontic specialized area of dentistry

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide outstanding customer service for the patient; make the patient the #1 priority; excellent chair side manner.

Assist the doctor with all orthodontic procedures including but not limited to:

Extensive knowledge and understanding of dental terminology.

Review patient chart prior to doctor arrival and log appropriate patient data during exam and treatment as well as transcribe doctor notes in patient chart.

Verify patient health history and document appropriately in patient's chart.

Maintain flow of doctor's schedule.

Maintain patient confidentiality through HIPAA compliance.

Perform efficient and accurate procedures to maintain a smooth flow of patients throughout the day; create "no patient wait time;" maintain time flexibility for patient; be present, engaged, ready to work at all assigned shift times.

Follow OSHA and UM FDSP safety policies and procedures.

Places and removes rubber dams, matrix bands, and/or retraction cords.

Perform patient oral evaluations.

Applies topical anesthesia, fluoride, and desensitizing agents as instructed by a dentist.

Responsible for various laboratory duties including efficiently making quality Provisionals.

Capture, develop, and mount accurate high quality x-rays.

Removes excess cement.

Prepares impressions for study models.

Prepares, places, and removes temporary crowns.

Constructs athletic mouth guards and customized trays.

Performs vitality tests.

Prepares and fits stainless steel crowns.

Removes sutures.

Removes and places subsequent periodontal dressing.

Dries root canals.

Etches teeth.

Aid Ortho supervisor with administrative duties as assigned

Maintain and order Ortho inventory as assigned by Ortho Supervisor

Conduct yearly inventory on supplies as assigned by Ortho Manager

Participate and contribute to Ortho staff meetings

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clean and prepare operatory per guidelines prior to patient appointment.

Sterilize equipment and operatories per OSHA guidelines.

Assist staff in scheduling patients' follow up visits.

Follow up with labs to ensure quality and timely products.

Track incoming and outgoing lab cases with staff

Monitor level of dental supplies and order as assigned by Ortho Supervisor.

Performs all of the duties of a Dental Assistant, Non-Certified and Dental Assistant Certified.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); two years’ prior experience as a Dental Assistant. Related education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. Must be a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) or Maryland General Dental Assisting Expanded Functions (MDG) and Maryland Orthodontic Expanded Functions (MDO) or Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA). Current radiography certification as required by Maryland. Experience in a professional environment with direct patient contact preferred. Must maintain annual OSHA, HIPAA and Infection Control training as required by law.

OTHER:

Employees in this job class must be CPR certified and are obligated to meet and maintain Maryland State and National Certification requirements for orthodontic expanded functions, dental assisting and dental radiography.

Required Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the principles of dental assisting theory, technique, and practice.

Skilled in procedures using sit-down four-handed dentistry techniques.

Skilled in the use of dental instruments and equipment.

Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employees in this job class may be required to receive immunization shots to prevent illness due to exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Overtime, weekend, on-call and shift work may be required.

This job description is designed to give an outline of what job duties are expected of this position. As an outline it does not fully describe or limit the extent of the position’s duties. UM FDSP Associates P.A. and it's supervisors may amend the job description as it deems necessary, without advance notice. The job description is not intended to create an employment contract and should not be construed as such.