Registered Dental Assistant

Brief Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Dental Office Supervisor, and under the general supervision of the Dentist in a clinical setting, the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) 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

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment; prepares the operatory for the patient visit
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; Collects and records patient health histories
• Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze and other required supplies.
• Prepares dental materials—cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions
• Assists with dental charting as appropriate
• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
• Manages the patient during dental procedures
• Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four- handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs
• Take impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards and custom tray. Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently. Pours models with no bubbles, properly trim models, polish dental prostheses, make vac-u-press forms
• 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
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains on-site lab space.
• Performs, monitors and records all sterilization activities
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
• Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks operatory
• Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow
• Maintain and inventory dental supplies and reorders as necessary; track and verify invoices
• Clean and sterilize all instruments; help to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
• Polish the patient’s teeth to remove stains and soft deposits
• Apply topical fluoride and varnishes
• Apply pit and fissure sealants
• Remove surgical sutures
• Adapt temporary crowns
• Place topical medications
• Remove excess cement from fabricated restoration
• Performs other duties as assigned within the Dental Program.
• Assists with front office and check-in/checkout duties as needed.
• Support Dental Van and Portable Dental services as needed, work assigned shifts on the dental van and/or with portable dental services when needed.
• Support Saturday dental clinic as needed, report for scheduled shift when assigned to work such clinic hours.
  
  

Knowledge Of

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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
  
  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education And Licensing Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Current BLS certification
• Current Dental X-ray Certification
• Current, valid State of California license as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
• Completion of one Board-approved RDA Pathway:
• Approved Registered Dental Assisting Program
• 15 months of work experience as a dental assistant specified in BPC section 1750.1 and completion of Certificate of Work Experience as a Dental Assistant (RDA3) form
• Completion of both Certification of Work Experience as a Dental Assistant (RDA3) form and Certification of Non-Approved Dental Assistant Program Completion (RDA4) form
  

Transportation

Must possess a current unrestricted California driver’s 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 environment. Communicate, discern, detect, walk or move about, sit and/or stand for long periods of time, reach, stoop, bend, lift up to 25 lb. 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.