Dental Assistant IIl

Howard University

9d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant position is a flexible role requiring a diverse set of skills including clinical, clerical, interpersonal, and technological. Under the supervision of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant is responsible for a wide range of tasks in the dental office, contributing to the overall strategic success of Howard University. The university prioritizes well-being and professional growth for its employees.

Requirements

HS diploma
Completion of accredited course in dental assisting and OSHA training certification
Current certification
Currently licensed as a level I or level II dental assistant with a full, current, and unrestricted license for the District of Columbia
Current CPR certification

Nice To Haves

Experience in a dental office setting
Knowledge of HIPAA and University policies
Familiarity with electronic dental records

Responsibilities

Prepare assigned clinical areas for patient care sessions in accordance with established clinical, safety, and infection control protocols.
Prepare treatment rooms, equipment, instruments, and materials for patient care and student clinical activities.
Welcome, escort, seat, and prepare patients for treatment by ensuring their comfort, reviewing appointment readiness, and following prescribed clinical protocols.
Support faculty, residents, and dental students during patient care by providing chairside assistance as requested.
Select, prepare, mix, and dispense dental materials in accordance with manufacturer instructions and clinical protocols.
Clean, sterilize, package, and distribute instruments and equipment in compliance with OSHA, CDC, institutional, and infection prevention standards.
Monitor and maintain clinical instrument inventory by ensuring instrument cassettes are complete, damaged instruments are identified and replaced, and instruments are properly cleaned, sterilized, and stored each day.
Maintain treatment rooms, operatories, and assigned clinical areas in a clean, organized, and operational state throughout the clinical session.
Oversees and supports dental students during the acquisition of diagnostic dental radiographs by ensuring compliance with clinical protocols, radiation safety standards, infection control requirements, and applicable federal, state, and University regulations while promoting patient safety and comfort.
Ensure proper operation of dental equipment by performing routine maintenance checks, identifying equipment malfunctions, coordinating repairs, and reporting equipment concerns promptly.
Maintain adequate inventories of clinical supplies and materials by monitoring stock levels, communicating supply needs, receiving deliveries, and organizing inventory.
Assist in the management of medical and dental emergencies by maintaining current CPR certification, ensuring emergency equipment and supplies are available, and following established emergency response procedures.
Educate patients, as directed, regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, preventive care, and post-operative instructions.
Accurately document patient care activities in the electronic dental record, when assigned, in accordance with College and clinical documentation standards.
Maintain patient confidentiality and safeguard protected health information in compliance with HIPAA and University policies.
Adhere to all infection prevention, safety, radiation, and regulatory requirements to protect patients, students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Utilize dental equipment, instruments, and supplies responsibly to promote operational efficiency and cost-effective resource management.
Provide excellent customer service by responding professionally and courteously to patients, students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Communicate effectively by reading and responding to email and other official College communications in a timely manner.
Cross-cover clinical assignments throughout the College of Dentistry as directed by the Clinical Manager or Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs to support operational needs.
Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain competency and remain current with advances in dental assisting and clinical practice.
Support the College of Dentistry's educational mission by fostering a collaborative learning environment and assisting faculty and students during clinical instruction.
Contribute to departmental and organizational goals by working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and administration.
Perform other related duties as assigned.