Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Dental Assistant

Department : Health Department – Dental Unit

Reports To : Dentist

Job Status : Regular Full Time

Type : Hourly

Grade : F

JOB SUMMARY :

Supports the dental team and performs a range of tasks in the dental office, ranging from patient care, laboratory functions, pouring models and taking impressions. This position requires a diverse set of skills : clinical, clerical, interpersonal and technological which allows the Dental team to function smoothly and better serve the patients as scheduled.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Perform chair side assisting duties that encompass all routine dental procedures in general dentistry.
• Take and record vital signs as needed.
• Properly record all treatment rendered to patients and accurately retrieves and files dental chart.
• Prepare patient operatory for proper dental procedures including setting up the proper instruments.
• Responsible for cleaning, packaging, and sterilizing all dental instruments for proper storage when not in use, and maintains the dental clinic in a clean and orderly manner.
• Responsible for proper exposure, processing, of radiographic digital x-rays placed in patient chart.
• Provides topical fluoride treatment as directed by the dentist, able to perform routine dental laboratory procedures, including pouring, trimming models, constructing custom trays, and labeling models and lab trays.
• Can take alginate impressions, bite registrations for study models and shade selection for esthetics.
• Explains post treatment instructions to patients, motivates and instructs patient in proper preventive techniques. Enters notes in chart where the patient needs improvement in hygiene.
• Responsible for keeping operatories well supplied.
• Assisting with dental education and prevention programs such as diabetes, Head Start, elderly, etc.
• Chair side duties including, dental sealants, dental dams, retraction cords, suture removal.
• Fabricate, place and remove temporary crowns and bridges.
• Takes inventory of dental supplies and prepares orders for dental supplies as needed.
• Enters patient visit data into RPMS for Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) reporting.
• Coordinates and plans programs for the management and prevention of dental disease.
• Perform coronal polishing and remove of supragingival calculus.
• Motivates patients to improve plaque removal and periodontal health.
• Troubleshoot, service, repair, and maintain operatory equipment, headpieces, compressor, and dental vacuum units as needed.

PREFERENCE :

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION :

PREFERRED SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / ABILITIES POSITION :

REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS :

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ( The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.) :

DESIRED SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / ABILITIES POSITION

The following qualifications are preferred / helpful for the incumbent who has these skills / knowledge or abilities for this position.