Dental Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant (DA) is a key member of the Native American Health Center's four-handed dental process, and will increase dentists' efficiency by providing needed support. The primary responsibility of the DA is to assist dentists at chair-side, and to support departmental staff. The DA must be professional, objective, and have superior customer service standards.

A lab coat will be provided by the Dental Department. The DA must wear personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear, masks and gloves and follow specific company and OSHA procedures when handling hazardous materials. Long hair must be tied back away from the face and no jewelry may be worn (i.e., earrings, rings.). Cleanliness above all is essential. Punctuality and professional demeanor at all times is required.

1. Perform all duties with excellence and in accordance with the Dental Practice Act of California.
2. Provide support to dentists. This includes following all instructions from the assigned dentist at chair-side.
3. Greet all patients in a courteous, professional, and timely manner.
4. Ability to work in the General and Pediatric Dental Clinics.
5. Explain plaque control to all patients in a manner that ensures their understanding.
6. In collaboration with the dentists, provide oral hygiene instructions to patients and parents/caregivers.
7. Apply topical anesthetic as requested by the assigned dentist.
8. Check patients; vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, etc.) as necessary and/or requested by the assigned dentist.
9. Prepare operatory for patient reception, according to departmental policy. Ensure operatory is as aseptic as possible for patient welfare.
10. Ensure pre-set trays are well maintained, and always ready to be used for procedures.
11. Proactively review chart notes for the planned treatment, in order to set up trays and operatory appropriately.
12. Ensure all materials and instruments needed for providing treatment are ready and available for use.
13. Prepare anesthesia for