Per Diem - Dental Assistant

Position Summary:
The Dental Assistant provides technical assistance during dental procedures and examinations according to established protocol and procedures. Supports specialists in Endodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics or Orthodontists.

Key Responsibilities:
• Greets and directs patients, provides routine information on procedures, and escorts patients in and out of service area. Calms and soothes anxious/nervous or uncooperative patients throughout the course of their treatment.
• Reviews schedule, planned procedures and additional equipment/instrument needs with assigned provider prior the start of the clinical session.
• Prepares room and instruments for scheduled treatment. Mixes materials and passes instruments to dental provider as requested. As directed by a licensed provider, instructs patients on proper dental care and follow up.
• Takes dental impressions and produces study models. Prepares models according to established procedure for delivery to outside lab facility. Logs lab case information upon submission and return.
• Takes, develops, mounts and files dental radiographs that meet departmental standards for quality and readability. Understands and utilizes proper positioning technique and other requirements when taking panoramic and/or cephalometric films. Checks quality of image and reviews with provider before re-taking an image, to minimize exposure to radiation. Takes digital photographs as instructed. May scan physical (non-digital) images into electronic dental record.
• Charts teeth and conditions in patient’s electronic dental record as directed by the licensed provider.
• Maintains the cleanliness of patient areas, workrooms, and equipment. Cleans, disinfects and maintains dental instrument. Handles sterile instruments and materials according to standard procedures. Ensures operatory is cleaned and sterilized prior to patient examinations.
• Monitors equipment and equipment and reports problems or need for repair promptly to supervisor.
• Monitors status of soiled utility room. Delivers and retrieves instruments and cassettes from Central Sterilization Department.
• Restocks dental supplies in treatment rooms and in Dental treatment room in Emergency Department. Identifies and resolves discrepancies in lab cases sent or returned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
High School or equivalent plus Completion of a CODA Accredited Program Certificate is required.  

Experience:
Three months of time on the job experience is required. At least one year of experience working in a Dental Clinic is preferred. Experience working in a Pediatric Dental Practice is highly desirable.

Licensure/ Certifications:
Current Massachusetts license as a Dental Assistant
BLS certification or CPR/AED certification AND
Board approved examination for DANB Radiation Health and Safety RHS