REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

Reports to: Dental Office Manager Department: Dental

Classification: Non-Exempt Grade:

JOB SUMMARY:

The Dental Assistant will assist with the examination and treatment of patients under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Assists in patient care.

a) Escorts patient into treatment room.

b) Seats patient and prepare them for treatment.

c) Check on patient comfort and attempt to allay patient anxiety.

d) Take and record vital signs, medical and dental histories.

e) Set up treatment room for each patient.

f) Remove such debris as is normally created in the course of treatment, during or after dental procedures by vacuum devices, compressed air, mouthwashes and water.

g) Retract the patient’s tongue, cheek or tissue during dental operation.

h) Isolate the operative field.

i) Cleans up patient after dental procedure.

j) Escorts patient to front desk after treatment.

k) Assist in the management of dental emergencies.

l) Expose and develop dental x-rays.

m) Pours and trims models.

n) Wraps and packs models in preparation for lab pick up.

o) Sets up tray for patient treatment, checking instruments for cleanliness.

p) Sets up and checks equipment to be used for present procedure.

q) Prepares treatment room before first patient of day by wiping down all surfaces.

r) Breaks down treatment room after each patient using surface disinfectant on all hard surfaces.

s) Changes traps in operatories, as necessary.

t) Cleans instruments by use of brushes, ultrasonic cleaner and autoclave.

u) Cleans ultrasonic cleaner and autoclave and Gendex film processor.

v) Maintains instrument set-ups according to procedures.

w) Fabricates athletic mouth guard appliances.

x) Fabricates and cements temporary crowns and bridges.

y) Places amalgam and or composite material in tooth for condensation by dentist

z) Places and removes retraction cords and medicated pellets.

aa) Perform bite registration procedures to determine occlusal relationship for diagnostic models.

bb) Removes sutures.

cc) Removes arch wires.

dd) Places and removes surgical dressings.

ee) Trial sizes orthodontic bands, wires, stainless steel crowns and temporary crowns intra-orally.

ff) Prepares teeth for bonding (not to include prophylaxis).

gg) Removes excess cement from crowns or other restorations and orthodontic appliances.

hh) Places temporary sedative restorations.

ii) Places and removes rubber dams.

2. Participates in patient education

a) Provides patient oral health education such as toothbrushing instruction, and prevention of nursing bottle caries.

b) Provides post-operative instructions to patients- both orally and in written form.

c) Communicates with patients in a clear and professional manner.

3. Inventory of supplies and equipment.

a) Maintains supply inventory in treatment rooms and laboratory.

4. Demonstrate positive attitude and actions regarding Health Center

a) Support and comply with all policies and procedures.

b) Use sound judgment in handling confidential information.

c) Act respectfully to all visitors, patients and staff, give and receive information/instructions in a polite and accurate manner.

5. Other duties assigned by the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education or Formal Training: High school graduate or equivalent. Graduate of a state approved dental assistant program. Formal training through a Registered Dental Assisting course.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations: Current x-ray license as issued by the NJDEP. Licensed by the State of NJ as a Registered Dental Assistant.

Previous Work Experience: At least 2 year’s experience in dental assisting.

Special Skills or Knowledge: Love of working with people, and ability to communicate clearly. Knowledge of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and adherence to safety rules and professional standards. OSHA Category I