Position Overview

Provides assistance to providers, including the attending Orthodontist and hygienists, in the examination and treatment of orthodontic patients, including those with developmental disabilities and/or who are medically compromised. Utilizes age-appropriate behavior management techniques and demonstrates proficiency in the treatment triangle of patient, parent and provider.

Age Group(s) Served:

· Neonatal (0-3 months) – limited to ICN preemie plate treatment

· Pediatric (3 months-12 years)

· Adolescent (13-18 years) 

· Adult (18 years and above for special needs patients & college students)

Essential Job Functions

1. Timely coordination of patient flow through the office/clinic, including warm and friendly greeting, patient preparation, accurate appointment making and dismissal.

2. Responsible for maintenance of dental operatory/clinic, including anticipating each provider’s needs, preparation and cleaning/disinfection of rooms, materials, equipment and instruments in a timely and efficient manner; using best practice infection control techniques.

3. Assists provider in managing patient behavior for timely and comfortable delivery of treatment. Removes and replaces ligatures and wires, assists with bonding braces and clear aligner bonding.

4. Enters lab prescriptions into EasyRX, Spark, or ulabs.

5. Enters and sends various referral letters (extractions, restorative, etc.)

6. Provides thorough instructions to patients and their guardians on elastic wear, retainers, hygiene, etc.

7. Is competent in child friendly techniques for placement and exposure of dental x-rays for traditional x-ray and digital sensor technique (in sites where available), resulting in quality diagnostic x-rays. Is able to develop and mount traditional x-rays where applicable. Is able to perform intraoral scans.

8. Sterilizes instruments and disinfects equipment and materials used in dental treatment following infection control plan, OSHA and safe handling techniques. Keeps instruments and equipment in good repair, responding appropriately when service/repairs are indicated and communicating updates to the Lead hygienist.

9. Keeps inventory of supplies and materials. Assures items are stored and maintained. Reports shortages to Lead Hygienist for ordering.

10. Accurately and legibly documents and signs patient records in accordance with UPD chart documentation policy. Accurately creates patient notes, makes future appointments and posts dental procedures in EMR sites where applicable.

11. Complies with all quality assurance, infection control plan, OSHA, safety and other policies and procedures of University Pediatric Dentistry.

12. Understands and follows HIPAA regulations.

13. Attends all required in-services, seminars and staff meetings.

14. Other duties as requested by management in support of business needs.

Qualifications

· High School Diploma/GED

· Dental Assistant certification or equivalent

· Basic Life Saving and/or CPR certification

· Desire to work with children is required. Past experience working with children preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

· Proficient in 4-handed dentistry techniques

· Patient/family focused with a basic understanding of customer service skills.

· Commitment to providing pediatric-centered quality dental care

· Flexible in attitude and function – must be willing to travel between, and work in any of, UPD’s offices; must exhibit a positive and can-do approach to their work

· Demonstrates ability to effectively engage with pediatric patients and those with developmental disability and medically compromising conditions

· Working knowledge of pediatric physical and psychological development milestones

· Proficient in diagnostic x-rays, infection control and sterilization/disinfection techniques following OSHA Standards.

· Is familiar with equipment and terminology common to dentistry

· Proficient in monitoring nitrous oxide for pediatric patients undergoing procedures

· Attention to detail

· Strong writing skills for documentation/charting

· Knowledge of Dentrix/Dolphin

ADA Requirements

Frequently:

· Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

· Repeat the same motions.

· Bend or twist the body when operating equipment or examining patients.

· Sit for long periods of time.

· Able to communicate verbally.

Moderate to occasional:

· Lifting (1-10 pounds), walking.