Dental Assistant

Position Summary:

The Dental Assistant shall be responsible for all assisting duties, including preparing the patient for dental treatment, assisting the dentist chairside, setting up correct equipment for the procedure to be performed, and cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing instruments in accordance with established policies. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for the chairside environment, including performing x-rays, performing necessary laboratory work, instructing patients with post-op care, oral hygiene instruction and other necessary instructions as needed while maintaining a friendly, warm atmosphere for providing competent patient care, keeping patient calm and at ease as much as possible.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assure that all instruments, digital chart and radiographs are in the operatory prior to the arrival of the dental provider.

• Call and direct the patient to the appropriate area of the clinic for anticipated treatment needs.

• Take digital x-rays suitable for diagnostic purposes.

• Provide proper instrument setups for assigned dental procedures.

• Remain at chairside and assist dentist directly during patient treatment (unless dentist gives permission to leave chairside). Remain with patient following the administration of anesthesia. Dismiss patient following completion of treatment.

• Provide a sterile supply of dental instruments.

• Provide proper instruments in the proper sequence for any given treatment procedure.

• Prepare dental material correctly and in an amount sufficient to meet the needs of the procedure.

• Anticipate the sequence of dental procedures and is prepared in advance of them so that dentist can work as efficiently as possible.

• Maintain a clean working area.

• Record all exam findings completely and accurately in the patient chart.

• Act as an interpreter between patient and dentist, as needed.

• Instruct patients in oral hygiene techniques (Brushing & Flossing); perform toothbrush prophylaxis and topical fluoride applications.

• Provide postoperative instructions verbally and in written format to patients after treatment.

• Take study model impressions and pour, trim and label models.

• Fabricate custom trays and perform other required laboratory procedures.

• Disinfect dental chair exposed to body fluids after patients is dismissed and before next patient is seated.

• Complete all chairside clean-up procedures in a timely manner after patient is dismissed and before next patient, which includes air/water syringe and light handles.

• Clean all appropriate instruments individually with CaviCide, rinse with water and place them in ultrasonic cleaner.

• Sterilize all sterilizable (autoclavable or heat sterilizable) items. Those items which cannot be autoclaved, or heat sterilized are placed in cold disinfecting (sterilizing) solution for appropriate length of time.

• Clean and sterilize dental handpieces after each patient contact.

• Utilize proper techniques in telephone conversation; phone used for business only.

• Responsible for cleanliness of physical clinic (i.e., necessary housekeeping) and periodic maintenance of filters and traps.

• Responsible for maintaining stock of supplies at chairside unit and reporting items which need to be reordered.

• Responsible for demonstrating good personal and oral hygiene as an example to patients.

• Accept delegation of only those duties within personal skill levels and scope.

• Maintain universal precaution guidelines at all times during patient care (mask, gloves, eye protection, and rubber dam usage) and wash hands before and after degloving.

• Maintain sterilization room and lab area in a clean orderly manner.

• Treat patients with dignity and respect always. Answer all questions completely with honesty while ensuring that the clinic atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

• Work at any of the Sage Clinics as assigned by the Dentist in Charge or Support Staff Supervisor.

• Participate in and attend in-service and educational programs seeking to improve and learn job-related skills. • Meet and comply with the standards of NHF/SMH Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Read and understand the Dental Clinic Standards of Care/Policies and Procedures, quality improvement, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Emergency Procedures Manuals.

• May be required to act as Secretary/Receptionist as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of computer usage and MS Word programs.

• Knowledge of dental terminology.

• Knowledge of and compliance with Blood Borne Pathogen Standard Exposure Control Plan.

• Knowledge of and compliance with Clinic Hazard Communication Program.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands to handle and feel dental instrumentation, handle chemicals for infection control, reach with hands and arms; climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and be able to reach out and pick-up and hold small objects. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in a Patient Care Environment with a moderate noise level. Possible exposure to needle sticks, contact with communicable diseases, blood, saliva, bodily fluids, latex products, and minimal x-ray radiation. Normal scheduled hours are four, 10-hour shifts: Monday – Thursday or Tuesday – Friday.