Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Brockport, NY (+West+Avenue+Brockport+NY+USA+14420)

Description

Position Summary :

Assists dentists and dental hygienists in providing oral care to patients. Assists in general operation, maintenance of inventory, and housekeeping as it pertains to infection and exposure control.

Job Responsibilities :

Customer Service :

Greets, seats and inquiries about patient needs

Informs provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints and concerns.

Dismisses patient when provider has completed treatment

Assisting Techniques :

Under the direction of the Dentist, pours models, trims study models and box impressions with wax.

Assists in oral surgery, preventative, and restorative dentistry.

Assists Dentist and Dental Hygienists at chair side by :

Setting up appropriate trays and materials

Preparing operatory

Informing provider of patient status including medical history, presenting complaints and concerns

Utilizing four-handed assisting technique

Preparing and processes dental materials

Completing simple dental repairs

Radiographs :

Takes radiographs per order / protocol

Mounts in computer prints using digital technology

Maintains adequate radiograph supplies

Takes accurate radiography including contrast, no cone cutting, etc.

Records radiographs appropriately in patients electronic record.

Dental Record :

Maintains and respects confidentiality

Determines appropriateness of releasing professional information using established guidelines

Utilizes appropriate dental terms and abbreviations

Reviews health history

Takes appropriate vital signs at every visit

Takes dental / periodontal dictation as needed from the dentist or hygienist

Documents patient complaints

Documents radiographs taken

Enters information into EHR

Fills out appropriate consent forms and has ready for dentist to sign

NYSDOH and OSHA guidelines :

Attends annual in-service program on hazardous substance and infection control.

Proper handling of hazardous substances

Proper handling of infectious waste

Utilizes universal precautions / adhere to all exposure control protocols

Wears appropriate personal protective equipment

Proper handling of sharps and sharps containers

Cleans and sterilizes equipment according to infection control / sterilization policies and procedures, and manufacturer’s instructions for use

Maintains current Red Cross / American Heart Association CPR Certification

Maintenance :

Changes alginate tray solutions and ultrasonic solutions as needed.

Cleans and disinfects operatories between patients

Maintains a supply of tray set ups

Keeps all logs : ie : autoclave, refrigerator, etc. up to date

Cleans and lubricates high and slow speed hand pieces

Cleans and disposes of burs according to procedure.

Assists with the inventory control system and restocking the laboratory.

Runs appropriate solution through HVE system at end of day

Checks expiration dates on sterilized instruments

Supply ordering and maintaining inventory

Turns equipment on and off at the beginning and end of day

Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work area

Communication / Participation :

Communicates effectively with patients, members of the dental team, administrative team and co-workers in other departments

Actively participates in group problem solving

Attends departmental and organizational meetings

Participates in quality assurances and continuous improvement activities

Any other reasonable requests from management

Requirements

Skills / Qualifications :

Willingness to provide exceptional care

Basic computer literacy

Education / Experience :

High School diploma or equivalent.

Prior dental experience preferred

Completion of a recognized dental assisting program preferred