Dental Assistant

Basic Purpose

Positions within this job family are assigned duties and responsibilities which involve providing assistance to dentists in the examination and treatment of patients or conducting dental health care education and prevention programs.

Typical Functions

Cleans and sterilizes dental instruments and arranges instruments in cabinets.

Prepares patients for treatment; prepares trays of instruments and supplies.

Assists the dentist in instrumentation, operation of equipment, management of patients and maintenance of records recording dental examinations, conditions found, treatment rendered and appointments; maintains the proper working order of the dental clinic and equipment; takes digital x-rays; and performs routine dental laboratory work.

Makes dental inspections; demonstrates, with models and other visual aids, preventive dental care to individuals and groups; participates in in-service training programs; prepares and delivers lectures on dental health before groups of school, civic and professional personnel.

Level Descriptors

Level I:

This is the basic level where employees are assigned responsibilities for performing beginning level work, under close supervision, in a training status to build their skills in assisting in the care and treatment of patients and in providing instruction in preventive health care.

Level II:

This is the career level where employees are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level, performing duties at all levels of complexity and may provide training or guidance to others in completing various dental care activities, including instructing parents, teachers, and children in the prevention and control of dental disease.

Education and Experience

Level I:

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of completion of a of a current Oklahoma Dental Assistant and/or Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant permit as defined by 59 O.S. § 328.24 or junior college or technical school program in dental assisting or nine months of experience as a dental assistant or educator.

Level II:

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a junior college or technical school program in dental assisting and two years of experience as a dental assistant; or one year of college or technical training in areas such as dentistry, biology, medicine, education, nursing or nutrition and two years as a dental assistant; or three years of experience as a dental assistant or educator.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Level I:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of standard dental procedures, terms, instruments, supplies, and equipment; of sterilization and sterile equipment; of digital x-ray; of oral anatomy; of standards of oral hygiene; and of clerical procedures. Ability is required to explain simple dental hygiene techniques.

Level II:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of standard dental procedures, terms, instruments, supplies, and equipment; of sterilization and sterile equipment; of digital x-rays; of oral anatomy; of standards of oral hygiene; of clerical procedures; of methods and procedures used in preventing dental disease; of methods and necessity for cleanliness of a dental operatory; of Oklahoma dental laws and regulations; and of instructional techniques. Ability is required to explain simple dental hygiene techniques; and to arrange and operate visual aids.

Special Requirements

The Department of Corrections has determined that some positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.