Dental Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant will assist dentist/and or dental hygienist during examination and treatment of patients by performing the following duties. The Dental Assistant will provide quality dental care to KVHC clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepare patient by introducing yourself and escorting patient to and from the dental operatory.
2. Sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist during dental procedures.
3. Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient.
4. Take and develop dental diagnostic X-rays.
5. Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
6. Pour, trim, and polish study casts, fabricate custom impression trays from preliminary impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and fabricate temporary restorations if trained.
7. Assist dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
8. Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by Dentist.
9. Reinforce treatment plan to the patient.
10. Record treatment information in patient's records.
11. Assist in Hygiene Department as needed by performing the following:
·Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
·Apply protective coating of fluoride to teeth if trained.
·Polish and floss adult patients after scaling by the Hygienist.
·Assist Hygienist in suctioning, periodontal charting and new patient periodontic screening.
·Perform children’s prophylaxis; polish only (14 years & under if holds an expanded duty function certificate)
12. Achieve professional dentist and staff relations through teamwork to ensure coordination of activities.
13. Achieve quality, positive patient relations through excellent customer service skills to ensure no patient complaints.
14. Order and maintain dental supplies and equipment staying within the monthly office budget and monitoring supply levels.
15. Comply with all OSHA regulations, maintain office and operatory cleanliness, and ensure equipment functionality.
16. Attend required meetings and participate in committees as required.
17. Participate in professional development activities and maintain professional affiliations.
18. All other related duties as required by immediate supervisor.
19. Perform other duties, projects as assigned by the Practice Manager.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
1. One-year Dental Assistant certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. State of Maine Radiology License.
3. Ability to work with public and other medical, dental and health providers.
4. Ability to maintain quality control standards.
5. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
6. Knowledge of the professional medical practice and care to give and evaluate patient care.
7. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.
8. Skill in taking medical and dental history, assessing dental condition and interpreting findings.
9. Valid State of Maine Driver’s license and ability to be insured by KVHC’s vehicle insurance carrier.

PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Requires full range of body motion with the ability to bend, kneel, and stoop including handling and lifting patients as needed. Must possess the ability to stand and or sit for long periods of time, occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 lbs, must possess the ability to communicate effectively and calmly in a professional manner, must possess the ability to follow all workplace policies including safety and confidentiality, must possess the skill to safely apply and modify principals, methods, and techniques of providing dental health care, must possess the ability to safely and effectively work with and around clinical instruments. Requires frequent exposure to communicable disease, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to clinic environment. Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care. Must possess the ability to work with and around medical equipment and instruments safely and effectively. Skill in preparing and maintaining records, writing reports, and responding to correspondence. Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public. Ability to maintain quality control standards. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures. Ability to communicate clearly.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATIENT INFORMATION AND ALL KVHC HEALTH/DENTAL

CENTER BUSINESS IS ESSENTIAL. MUST COMPLY WITH THE HEALTH INSURANCE

PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996-PUBLIC LAW 104-191

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Houlton, ME 04730: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person