Dental Assistant

PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires that all employees are fully vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine before the first day of employment. We will offer the Vaccine at no cost at one of our Health Centers.

Summary Job Description:

Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Dental Assistant supports the dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment
• Prepares the operatory for the patient visit
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed
• Collects and records patient health histories
• Drapes patient with protective linens; sets up instrument tray with required supplies
• Prepares dental materials, cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Takes radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following radiation safety precautions
• Assists with dental charting
• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
• Manages the patient during dental procedures
• Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry
• Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials
• perform coronal polishing
• perform fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish
• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and custom tray
• Performs laboratory procedures, including the pouring and trimming of models; polishing dental prosthetics, and making vac-u-press forms
• At the conclusion of the procedure, follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
• Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet all regulatory requirements
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility
• Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
• Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatories
• Helps manage patient flow
• Maintains the inventory of supplies and reorders as necessary
• Track and verify invoices
• Performs duties within the dental program as assigned

Skills:

• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet regulatory requirements
• Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs

Experience: 

• Minimum of 2 years as a dental assistant.  Experience in a community health environment serving uninsured or underinsured patients is preferred

Education:

• High school diploma or GED
• CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification
• National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion
• Certification in Dental Assisting

Work Environment:

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment

Salary: 

• Commensurate with education and experience
• Grade 14

PHMC is and EOE and an E-Verify Employer