Dental Assistant (9241)

JOB SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant performs clinical and sterilization duties according to OSHA standards to support dental providers in the delivery of services to the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greets patients and visitors
• Verifies chart accuracy and records treatment information in patient records.
• Takes and records medical and dental histories and sometimes vital signs of patients.
• Assists the dentist in all dental procedures
• Takes x-rays and impressions under supervision of a dentist
• Tracks all dental laboratory cases (sends out and verifies return)
• Orders and stocks supplies and stocks rooms as needed
• Monitors dosimeter badges (radiation)
• Maintains infection controls

• Provides postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.

• Reviews daily schedule and sets up trays accordingly
• Sets up operatories
• Cleans and maintains equipment and instruments
• Conducts spore test on autoclave
• Cross trains for receptionist
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Coordination to handle dental instruments and adapt to dentists actions, including ability to comfortably adhere with finger dexterity, arm-hand steadiness.
• Social perceptiveness to be aware of and understand patient reactions, including knowledge and skill in detecting signs of syncope, chock or other side reactions to dental treatment in-patients
• Knowledge of dental clinic procedures encompassing receiving, routing and scheduling patients, ordering supplies and for requesting related services.
• Knowledge of the instruments, materials and standardized dental procedures used in the full variety of treatments provided in general dentistry procedures to make preparations and provide chair-side assistance.
• Working knowledge of taking diagnostic dental radiographs for bony structures of the face.
• Equipment selection skills to identify tools and supplies necessary to do a job
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance and sterilization techniques and the ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
• Time management skills
• .Thorough computer skills utilizing software used to store and retrieve patient and office information.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations and preventative measures (HIPAA confidentiality, infection spread, etc.)
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of the English language.
• Excellent oral and written communication.

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE

One year in a dental clinic or healthcare setting preferred

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE

Current Vermont licensure with radiology certificate preferred

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required or ability to obtain certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The incumbent frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• The incumbent is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and lean over patients.
• The incumbent is occasionally required to sit.
• The incumbent is rarely required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The incumbent must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer and printer, x-ray machine, autoclave and other lab equipment, copier, telephone, and facsimile machine

Salary : $17 - $28