Dental Assistant

Description

JOB TITLE: Dental Assistant

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Health Services

Department: Dental

SUPERVISOR: Dentist/Dental Coordinator

FLSA: Non-exempt

SALARY RANGE: $18.00 - $27.00

CPN Health Services personnel may be assigned to provide services to patients of all ages including but not limited to Indian Children and will require a criminal history background screening.

ALL FULL TIME POSITIONS:     In addition to your pay, your salary also includes Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance. The Biweekly deduction from employee paycheck is $40.00 for Employee Only, $95.00 Employee plus Children, $120.00 Employee plus Spouse, and $140.00 Employee plus family.  

JOB SUMMARY:  To assist Dentist in providing comprehensive dental service to the patients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Performs chair side assistance in all phases of dentistry, which encompasses all routine dental procedures. Use the concepts of four-handed dentistry to assist with intraoral surgical procedure, extractions, periodontics, endodontic, and implants.

· Maintain field of operation during dental procedures though the use of retraction, suction, irrigation, drying, etc.

· Maintains the dental clinic in a clean and orderly manner including documenting weekly, monthly, yearly scheduled maintenance. Monitor and maintain emergency kit and nitrous oxide / oxygen supply.

· Receives and routes patients and schedules appointments.

· Chart and record treatment notes in Electronic Dental Record program (Dentrix).

· Responsible for cleaning, sharpening, packaging and sterilizing all dental instruments for proper storage.

· Prepares patient and operatory for proper procedures including proper instrument set-ups.

· Operates dental x-ray equipment to take intra and extra-oral radiographs. Correctly positions patients and film to achieve high quality x-rays.

· Performs routine dental laboratory procedures, including pouring and trimming models, and constructing custom impression trays, fabricating base plates and bite rims. Assure lab cases are sent to lab correctly and on time. Helps make sure laboratory and clinic is clean and well supplied.

· Relays to patient post treatment instructions as well as motivating and instructing patients in proper oral hygiene and preventive health measures.

· Take, record, and monitor vital signs.

· Apply pit and fissure sealants, topical fluoride.

· Complete child cleanings and coronal polishing.

· Provides periodontal therapy, prophylaxis, and fluoride treatments as directed by the dentist.

· Places rubber dams isolation as directed by the dentist.

· Place retraction cord, fabricate and remove temporary crowns.

· Recognize and respond to basic medical and dental emergencies.

· Follows Blood Borne Pathogen safety precautions during procedures and while cleaning the operatory after procedures. Demonstrate understanding of CDC and prevention guidelines.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 

· Perform other duties and projects as required by management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Knowledge of instruments normally used in routine dental procedures.

· Knowledge of dental terminology and record keeping to proper enter information in the patient record.

· Knowledge of dental anatomy and ability to proper expose and process diagnostic radiographs.

· Ability to explain to patients postoperative instructions.

· Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation. 

· Work well with the public. 

· Ability to work in a fast paced environment. 

· Fit in well with a team environment and be a true team player.

· Be self-motivated and find ways to stay productive when not seeing patients.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION:

· CPR certification. 

· High School Diploma or GED equivalent. 

· Dental assisting permit for the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry.

· Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years hands on experience working as a Dental Assistant or less experience may be considered once approved by Dental Coordinator.

· Courses above the High School level in the Dental field is preferred but not required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

· The ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods of time with arms in the extended or slightly bent position. 

· Some bending, stretching, and lifting are required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

· General clinical environment with frequent exposure to chemicals, bloodborne pathogens and patient body fluids. 

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. These statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.