Dental Assistant

Title: Dental Assistant 1

Department: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Dental Assistant 1 will assist the faculty, resident dentists, and DMD students in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with day-to-day operations of the clinical department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Prepare procedure rooms for patient care including, cleaning rooms, and transporting contaminated instruments to the designated biohazard instrument cart. Provide chair-side dental assistance for the faculty and residents of the department. Review patient schedule with Scheduling Coordinator or Dental Assistant 2 to determine efficient use of clinical time. Be familiar with aseptic technique. Report changes in patient condition to resident doctors or faculty. Assist student doctors and residents in providing post-operative instructions for routine extractions and special procedures. (20%)

2. Ensure cleanliness/readiness of the clinic. Prepare clinic for the day’s schedule. Set up and break down student/resident procedure rooms. Clean and wipe down all equipment adhering to infection control procedures. Stock supplies in clinic/procedure rooms as needed. (40%)

3. Reprocess oral surgery instruments and equipment (clean, disinfect or sterilize). Perform and maintain daily quality assurance testing and sterilization log. (20%)

4. Monitor/re-order dental and office supplies as needed. Monitor all dental and office supplies usage. Prepare pre-requisition to re-order materials and supplies as needed. Obtain proper authorization. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assist with patient scheduling. (0.25%)

2. Coordinate imaging requests for department. (0.5%)

3. Coordinate pathology/microbiology specimen submission. (0.75%)

4. Check equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly. Report non-functioning equipment to Nurse Manager. Remove non-functioning equipment from service Check competency of forms after entries and report deficiencies to instructor and student. (2%)

5. Initiate and assist in resuscitation procedures. (0.5%)

6. Assist with student/resident training during orientation session regarding clinical procedures including maintaining sterility. Report student/resident violations to department chair or clinical director for assessment. (2%)

7. Assist Dental Assistant 2 with maintaining SDS sheets for department material. (1%)

8. Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

9. Check safety equipment weekly and maintain quality log (e.g., eyewash station). (1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with all faculty and staff of the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Medicine dispensary staff, receptionists, graduate department specialty clinics and clinical instructors regarding patient care.

University: Not applicable.

External: Daily contact with all patients. Regular contact with University Hospitals’ Residency Program and all surgery, pathology, and radiology departments at University Hospitals regarding patient care. Frequent contact with insurance companies and vendors as needed.

Students: Daily contact with DMD students and post graduate residents regarding patient care.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: A minimum of 3 months of dental assisting experience is required. Oral surgery experience preferred.

Education/Licensing: High school education required. Dental assistant certification, radiology certification, and annual CPR certification required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Must have strong organizational skills.

2. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast paced environment with a diverse population.

3. Excellent communication skills both verbally and written.

4. Strong understanding of dental computer software preferred.

5. Working knowledge of insurance codes and forms preferred.

6. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

7. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers/patients face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This work is performed in a clinical setting and requires general knowledge of chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and lab safety. Daily exposure to biohazards, sharps and hot sterilization equipment. Safety hazards potential exists if explosive agent is in use where oxygen is in use under unsafe conditions. May be required to use personal protective equipment, including standard lab coat, gloves and safety glasses when appropriate. Although modern equipment, physical construction design and full compliance with safety requirements will exist. Explosion is always a remote possibility where oxygen and explosive anesthetics are used. Unusual stress may exist when general anesthesia is administered or when emergency situations arise with patients.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $18.44 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift

Application Question(s):

• Your email address, contact number and the best time to reach you?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Dental assisting: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Dental Assistant (Preferred)
• CPR Certification (Preferred)
• Radiology Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18