UNIV - Dental Assistant IV, Orthodontics Dental Faculty Practice - College of Dental Medicine
About The Position
Under the direct supervision of the Division Chief and the direction of College of Dental Medicine providers, the Dental Assistant IV provides clinical assistance and support to multi-specialty faculty providers in all aspects of patient care within the College of Dental Medicine clinics. The role includes chairside assistance across dental specialties, operatory preparation and cleanup, instrument sterilization, radiography, patient support, supply and inventory maintenance, and clinic administrative support. The employee follows infection-control and x-ray safety requirements, maintains patient confidentiality, and may assist in other clinics or perform related duties as directed.
Requirements
- High school diploma and completion of formal training in an ADA-accredited dental assisting course, plus one year of dental assisting experience; alternatively, a high school diploma and three continuous years of dental assisting experience.
- Certification in Radiation Safety for positions responsible for dental x-rays.
- 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 meet the listed physical requirements, including standing for 6–8 hours per shift, frequent walking and work in confined or cramped spaces, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds unassisted, and assisting with lifting or carrying patients weighing up to approximately 350 pounds.
- Ability to be medically qualified for respirator use initially and annually.
Responsibilities
- Perform chairside assisting using four-handed dentistry techniques for faculty providers treating patients, across general dentistry and advanced specialty care, including procedures requiring general anesthesia management.
- Update and use the Electronic Health Record as needed for patient care.
- 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 to maintain a safe, clean work environment.
- Acquire or assist in acquiring radiographs and imaging, including periapical, panoramic, cephalometric, 3-D imagery, and intraoral scans, according to treatment plans or provider direction and x-ray safety standards.
- Assist with patient care, including transporting or assisting patients to and from the waiting area and monitoring surgical patients after anesthesia to ensure their safety.
- Maintain patient confidence and privacy by keeping information confidential.
- Check dental supply stock, anticipate needs, place and expedite orders, verify receipt, and keep instruments and supplies stocked in operatories and other clinic areas.
- Provide clinic administrative support, including maintaining the MSDS notebook, reporting equipment problems, and completing exposure and incident forms.
- Assist in other clinics, contribute to team efforts, and perform related duties as needed or directed by the clinic manager or supervisor.
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
Education Level
High school or GED
