Provide direct support to dentists, hygienists, denturists and other provider personnel in the delivery of dental care and service within a Kaiser Permanente dental office.
Perform all duties permitted a dental assistant consistent with training and under the observation of a licensed provider.
Apply topical anesthetic and desensitizing agents as directed by the provider.
Remove sutures and post-extraction and periodontal dressings.
Retract a patient's cheek, tongue, or other tissue during an operation.
Assist in the placement or removal of a rubber dam.
Remove debris created during operative procedures with a vacuum device, compressed air, mouth washes, or water.
Inspect the oral cavity using a mirror.
Dry root canals with paper points.
Place temporary filling material into the endodontic access.
Take impressions for periodontal night guard.
Polish the coronal surfaces of teeth when determined free of calculus.
Train patients in techniques of oral hygiene and prevention of oral disease.
Place films (dental radiographs), adjust equipment preparatory to exposing films, and expose films.
Preliminary select and size bands in support of orthodontic practice.
Remove fixed orthodontic appliances and check for loose bands and brackets.
Remove ligature ties and head appliances.
Place and remove arch wires, elastics, and orthodontic separators.
Take intra-oral measurements for orthodontic procedures.
Organize patients' dental records consistent with established guidelines.
Greet and inform patients of general treatment to be provided.
Review health questionnaire with patients and notify provider of reported conditions.
Anticipate needs of provider in the delivery of patient care and service.
Prepare, organize, arrange and pass dental instruments, supplies, and materials as requested.
Establish and maintain a clear and clean operating field.
Record and verify information in the patients' dental record according to established procedures.
Respond to medical emergency situations consistent with established guidelines.
Expose and process dental radiographs as required.
Take patients' blood pressure and accurately record in patients' dental record.
Clean, sterilize, and process instruments consistent with established guidelines.
Maintain a clean, orderly, well-organized, and supplied work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned by the office manager or supervisory personnel.
Training as a dental assistant.
Knowledge of State Dental Practice Act and related Administrative Rules.
Ability to perform dental radiographs and maintain infection control standards.