Dental Assistant III - Lincoln (0198)

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine•Lincoln, IL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant III works as an integral member of a comprehensive dental care team consisting of dentists, dental hygienists, dental students, instructors/faculty/residents, and front desk office staff to provide efficient, effective, and patient-centered dental care services. Employees at this level provide advanced dental assisting support to dental students, dentists, instructors, faculty, and residents in the delivery of dental services. The Dental Assistant III is expected to anticipate the needs of the dental provider and independently perform advanced dental assisting procedures within the scope of the position. Responsibilities include assisting with specialized laboratory procedures, hospital and laboratory cases, radiographic procedures, patient education, infection control, clinical equipment and supply management, and supervision and training of dental assisting personnel and students. The Dental Assistant III may also instruct dental assistant students and/or dental students in the techniques, theory, and practice of dental assisting and evaluate their performance while assigned to the clinic.

Requirements

Two years (24 months) of work experience in dental assisting comparable to that performed at the Dental Assistant II level of this series, including experience in four-handed dentistry.
Current Certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board, if required by the employing institution.
Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and supervise the work of others.
Knowledge and techniques needed to diagnose and treat dental injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatments, and preventive dental measures.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Knowledge of computers to input data, access information, and/or create materials and documents using a variety of clinical software applications.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Ability to perform functions of administrative and clerical procedures managing files and records, designing forms, and managing inventory.
Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Skill in interpersonal verbal and written communication.
Ability to build rapport with patients.
Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Ability to remain continuously on task for several hours while sitting, standing, or moving.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when speaking with patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
Ability to help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures; communicates appropriately and positively to guide and re-assure patients.

Responsibilities

Works as an integral member of the dental care team, collaborating with dentists, dental hygienists, dental students, instructors/faculty/residents, and front office personnel to support efficient patient care and clinic operations.
Provides advanced chairside dental assisting during examinations and dental procedures, anticipating the needs of the dentist, dental student, instructor, faculty member, or resident.
Handles, prepares, and transfers dental instruments and other materials to the dentist or dental provider during procedures.
Assists during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating dental materials, retracting tissues, evacuating the oral cavity, maintaining a clear and dry field, and assisting with sedation procedures as appropriate.
Independently performs coronal polishing and pit and fissure sealant procedures within applicable scope of practice and established clinical guidelines.
Applies fluoride varnish and topical anesthetic as appropriate and according to established clinical procedures.
Takes dental radiographs, including digital, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and film-based radiographs, using appropriate techniques and radiation protection procedures.
Demonstrates expertise in dental radiographic techniques and provides training to lower-level staff on radiographic procedures under the direction of a dentist or dental X-ray technician.
Uses suction, swabs, retractors, and other appropriate techniques to maintain a clean, clear, and dry oral cavity during dental procedures.
Organizes, prepares, and arranges dental instruments, materials, and equipment needed for examinations and procedures.
Sterilizes dental instruments and equipment between each patient and at the end of the day in accordance with infection prevention, OSHA, and applicable clinical standards.
Evaluates and maintains a high level of asepsis in the dental operatory before receiving patients, during treatment, and following patient dismissal in accordance with OSHA guidelines and established infection control procedures.
Follows OSHA requirements, HIPAA regulations, infection prevention standards, radiation safety procedures, and applicable SIU School of Medicine and clinic policies.
Obtains and maintains dental records, updates medical histories, and documents accurate and complete patient information in accordance with established procedures.
Communicates directly with patients as guided by the dental student, dentist, instructor, faculty member, or resident.
Provides and/or reinforces patient education regarding oral hygiene, post-operative care, maintenance, prostheses, and other dental care instructions as directed by the provider.
Oversees and assists with pre-operative and post-operative patient education, including oral hygiene, maintenance, and prosthesis care.
Advises and educates patients regarding appropriate dental care and reinforces instructions provided by the dental provider.
Assists the dental hygienist with patient care and clinical procedures as needed.
Takes dental impressions, pours dental models, and performs related laboratory procedures.
Completes laboratory slips, prepares laboratory cases, communicates with dental laboratories, and assists with the coordination of laboratory cases.
Fabricates temporary crowns and performs other related laboratory procedures as required.
Assists with hospital and laboratory cases and provides related clinical support as assigned.
Determines the needs for clinical supplies, instruments, and equipment; orders, receives, stores, and maintains appropriate inventory levels for the clinic.
Maintains dental equipment and assists in ensuring the overall operating efficiency and readiness of equipment used in the clinic.
Supervises individuals performing dental assisting activities as assigned, including determining clinic needs, assigning work, monitoring performance, and evaluating completed work.
Assists with the hiring and onboarding of new dental assistants as assigned.
Instructs dental assistant students and/or dental students in specialized dental assisting procedures, techniques, theory, and practice.
Provides instruction and demonstration of appropriate dental assisting techniques and evaluates the performance of dental assistant students and/or dental students while they are assigned to the clinic.
Supervises and assists personnel in providing ambulatory dental services to patients.
Assists with the assignment and coordination of cases to doctors based on clinic needs and established procedures.
Supports patient flow and clinic operations by coordinating clinical activities and anticipating the needs of providers, students, and patients.
Performs duties comparable to those associated with the next lower level in the Dental Assistant series.
Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Schedules patient appointments and assists with maintaining accurate appointment and patient records.
Answers incoming telephone calls and responds to patient, provider, and clinic inquiries within the scope of the position.
Performs front desk and administrative office functions as needed to support efficient clinic operations.
Orders and assists with the procurement of dental and office supplies.
Maintains appropriate records and documentation associated with patient care, scheduling, supplies, and clinic operations.
Collaborates with clinical and administrative staff to support effective patient flow and continuity of care.