Dental Assistant

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant will maintain equipment, materials used, and supplies within the working area. Works closely with the Dentist by assisting in patient care through dental procedures, oral hygiene, restorative, prosthetic and surgical care, radiology exams, education and training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Upholds and supports the mission, philosophy, objectives, policies and ethics of CHSI.
• Responsible for providing routine assistance to the Dentist in the examination and prophylactic, therapeutic and surgical treatment of patients.
• Well-developed chair side-assisting skills that demonstrate familiarity with the principles of fourhanded dentistry.
• Able to handle and/or mix dental materials such as amalgam, temporary filling material, impressions, and cements.
• Sets up standard and/or sterile trays properly for various operations and procedures.
• Communication and explanation with the patient in regard to the procedures they will be undergoing.
• Able to educate and teach on dental care as required.
• When applicable able to do patient transfers from wheelchair, bathroom, automobile, and dental chair.
• Maintains dental records on patients seen and assures all care given documented by self and Dentist.
• Follows all safety policies when operating equipment in dental area along with notifying Dentist immediately of equipment not working properly.
• Follow all Universal Precautions per Policy and Procedure.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Place bases and liners in teeth.
• Chart existing and obvious lesions.
• Responsible for participating in quality improvement projects/activities and accountable for quality and PCMH.
• Perform all other duties as directed either formally or informally, verbally or in writing.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Well-developed chair side assisting skills that demonstrate familiarity with the principles of fourhanded dentistry.
• Full Proficiency in operating laboratory and dental operatory equipment and/or sterilizers, autoclaves, dry heat ovens, oil and boiling water sanitizers
• Must possess excellent customer service including verbal and written communication.
• A high standard of professionalism and professional ethics and conduct is expected in speech, manner, attitude and appearance at all times.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with others
• Ability to deal effectively with changing situations and stressful environment.
• Ability to perform tasks related to physical activity to complete the responsibilities of the position.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Dental Assistant Certification required
• Radiation Safety Certification (X-Ray) required
• Current American Heart Association BLS certification required
• One (1) year or more experience as a Dental Assistant