UNIV - Dental Assistant III, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery - College of Dental Medicine
About The Position
The Dental Assistant III provides highly skilled clinical assistance and support to faculty, resident, and student providers in all aspects of patient care in the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) clinic. The role works under the direct supervision of the clinic manager and the direction of OMFS providers. The position performs chairside assisting for dental and surgical procedures, prepares and cleans operatories, sterilizes instruments and equipment, takes and processes dental radiographs, and assists with patient care, including monitoring patients after anesthesia. It also maintains clinic supplies and inventory and follows infection-control, radiation-safety, and workplace-safety requirements. The role requires ACLS certification, computer literacy, and the ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as required.
Requirements
- High school diploma and completion of formal training in an ADA-accredited dental assisting course, plus one year of dental assisting experience; OR a high school diploma and three continuous years of dental assisting experience.
- Radiation Safety certification for positions responsible for dental x-rays.
- ACLS certification and attendance at clinic emergency drills as required.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work rotating shifts and overtime as required.
- Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment as required.
- Ability to perform the listed physical functions, including standing, walking, using hands and arms, reaching, and performing fine and gross motor tasks.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted and assist with lifting or carrying patients weighing up to approximately 350 pounds.
- Ability to push or pull objects weighing up to approximately 350 pounds unassisted.
- Ability to meet the stated vision, hearing, sensory, and respirator-qualification requirements.
Responsibilities
- Provide chairside assistance using four-handed dentistry techniques for student, resident, and faculty providers during procedures ranging from general dentistry to advanced specialty care requiring general anesthesia management.
- Maintain ACLS certification and attend clinic emergency drills as required.
- Set up operatories for dental and surgical procedures, maintaining knowledge of clinical procedures and instrumentation to ensure accurate setup.
- Break down and clean operatories after procedures; maintain and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
- Follow MUSC, CDM, and clinic infection-control policies and protocols, and comply with OSHA procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Expose and process dental radiographs, including periapical, panoramic, cephalometric, and 3-D imagery, according to treatment plans or provider direction and applicable x-ray safety standards.
- Assist with patient care, including transport to and from the waiting area and monitoring surgical patients after anesthesia to ensure their safety.
- Protect patient privacy and maintain confidentiality.
- Check dental supply stock, anticipate needs, place and expedite orders, verify receipts, and ensure instruments and supplies are stocked in operatories and other clinic areas.
- Perform related dental assistant duties and other duties as directed by the Clinic Manager.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
