Dental Assistant

CenterPlace Health believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. CenterPlace Health is currently looking for a Dental Assistant to join the team That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this position description is designed to highlight the primary duties, qualifications, and scope of the position, but not limit the incumbent nor the Company to only the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her full capabilities wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

SUMMARY:

This entry-level dental assistant position performs under the direct supervision of the dentist. Limited judgment is exercised, and emphasis is placed on instruction and training. This position will assist with dental procedures, perform some clerical tasks, and perform other duties as needed. The employee must demonstrate a willingness to progress to an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant with on-the-job training and formalized Dental Education programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Knowledge of basic dental assistant duties

• Assist dentists with all clinical and clerical procedures
• Demonstrate knowledge of all aspects of chair side assisting and front desk procedures
• Assist in chair side operations, until competencies are satisfied
• Acknowledge and / or assist anyone in contact with the department in a pleasant, helpful manner
• Prepare patients for dental exam, including taking dental and medical history and charting
• Accurately take digital x-rays
• Prepare patients for operatory procedures
• Discharge and review post operative instructions with patients
• Understanding of all HIPAA and OSHA requirements and infection control procedures
• Demonstrate knowledge and practice of instrument cleaning and sterilization procedures
• Perform all sterilization and autoclave procedures
• Accurately perform monthly autoclave monitoring, records data on log sheets, and maintains MSDS book
• Prepare instrument trays and operatories for procedures Assist dentist at chair side by preparing operatories for procedures:
• Seat patient; prepare various tray set-ups.
• Mix dental materials.
• Cleans work areas.
• Loads anesthesia carpules for injections.
• Take necessary dental radiographs.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures.
• Utilize cold sterile and autoclave methods for instruments.
• Adhere to local and state regulations regarding disposal of blood borne pathogen materials.
• Charts information from oral examination on forms in the patient's dental record.
• Provide information to the patient such as pre-op and post-op instructions.
• Supply dentist instruments and materials needed to perform procedures.
• Maintenance and Cleaning
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and cleaning of instruments and equipment including central vacuum/air/water units, cabinets, and lavatories.
• Lubricates hand pieces on a routine basis.
• Under delegated order of the dentist, performs all expanded functions as allowed by law and completion of accreditation training.
• Taking impressions for study casts.
• Placing periodontal dressings.
• Removing periodontal or surgical dressings.
• Removing sutures.
• Polishing amalgam restorations.
• Polishing clinical crowns of the teeth for the purpose of removing stains.
• Obtaining bacteriological cytogical specimens.
• Application of sealants for the prevention of decay.
• Assist with inventory and supply ordering
• Retrieve records and complete electronic documentation requirements.
  • Develop knowledge of electronic dental record and other organizational programs.
  • Strong knowledge of dental terminology

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/ABILITIES/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS):

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Chair side and office competencies satisfied within 90 days of hire
• OSHA and HIPAA requirements
• Able to communicate with all patients, staff, and others clearly and effectively
• Understanding of and capability to use the Electronic Dental Record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: (EXPERIENCE/SKILLS/ABILITIES/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS):

• Bilingual communication preferred.