Dental Assistant Apprentice

JOB SUMMARY

The Dental Assisting Apprenticeship program provides an opportunity for the Apprentice to have an individualized on-the-job training and learning experience while preparing them with the knowledge and tools necessary for an entry-level dental assistant position within the Dental field. The Dental Assisting Apprenticeship will consist of extensive educational coursework and clinical hours; including patient treatment.

The apprentice’s responsibilities include participating in educational coursework (including hands-on and textbook), learning and implementing practical skills, learning and observing all health and safety protocols, completing all assignments, competencies, quizzes and exams with a passing score within the designated time frame. The Apprentice will observe and follow the guidance of the Dental Assistant Trainer.

The Apprentice must display a high level of professionalism, be well-organized, have superb time management skills, be flexible, have basic computer skills, and display communicative interpersonal skills. Most importantly they must be dedicated to learning and providing exceptional patient care.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Following program syllabus and guidelines.

2. Observing health and safety procedures.

3. Working in the office and traveling to other sites as required.

4. Positively receiving feedback from Trainer, Supervisors, and Providers.

5. Building professional relationships with colleagues and patients.

6. Meeting attendance requirements.

7. Notetaking and maintaining all educational materials and logs.

8. Completing all tests, presentations, and other required evaluations.

9. Applying learned knowledge and skills within the clinical and office environment.

Learning and Performance Objectives: This is intended to cover the minimum essential learning objectives to learn and perform according to the Dental Assistant Apprentice Competency Checklist.

1. Demonstrate fundamental abilities to function as an integral member of the dental health care team focusing on ethics and professionalism.

2. Competence in the knowledge of oral anatomy and dental terminology.

3. Competence in the knowledge and use of dental instruments.

4. Competence in the knowledge of the use and maintenance care of dental equipment.

5. Competence in the knowledge of the uses and manipulation of dental materials.

6. Competence in the knowledge of infection control procedures and demonstrates proper techniques.

7. Competence in the knowledge of dental radiology. Expose diagnostically acceptable images with the use of a digital X-ray software system. Attains Dental Radiology certification.

8. Competence in the knowledge of emergency situations in the dental office and Basic Life Support (BLS). Attains BLS certification.

9. Attain user-level understanding of GLBHC’s EMR software.

10. Achieve four-handed dentistry dexterity when passing instruments and materials. Proper suctioning and retracting techniques.

11. Competence in the knowledge and skill required to perform a variety of clinical supportive treatments.

12. Competence in the knowledge and skill required to perform a variety of front office duties.

13. Ability to interact with patients, explain procedures, and give post-operative instructions.

14. Competence in performing all dental assisting duties in connection with the Dental Assistant Competency Assessment.

APPRENTICE REQUIREMENTS:

1. High school diploma or GED

2. Driver’s license required

3. Functional competency in Reading, Writing, and Math. Textbook is college level, must be able to read and comprehend concepts.

4. Good time management, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills

5. Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities

6. A commitment to learning

Certificate and Training Opportunities:

1. OSHA/Blood Borne Pathogens

2. HIPAA

3. BLS

4. Dental Radiology

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.