Dental Assistant

Medical University of South Carolina•Florence, AL

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the clinic manager/supervisor and direction of the practice’s dental providers, the Dental Assistant provides clinical assistance and support to dental providers in all aspects of patient care within the dental clinic. The position includes chairside assistance, preparing and maintaining operatories and instruments, obtaining radiographs and supporting patients before and after procedures, including those involving anesthesia. The Dental Assistant also maintains supplies and inventory and provides administrative support to the clinic.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Either completion of an ADA-accredited dental assisting course and 3 years of dental assisting experience, or 5 years of dental assisting experience.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
Successful completion of the SC LLR and Board of Dentistry-approved Radiation Safety certification structured course and exam.
Completion of a South Carolina Radiation Safety course and exam approved by the Board.

Responsibilities

Perform chairside assisting using four-handed dentistry techniques as providers treat patients, including general dentistry and advanced specialty care 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 room preparation.
Break down and clean operatories after procedures; maintain and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
Follow MUSC, MUSC Health, and clinic infection-control policies and protocols, and comply with OSHA procedures, rules, and regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Acquire or assist in acquiring radiographs and other imagery, including periapical, panoramic, cephalometric, and 3-D images and intraoral scans, according to treatment plans or provider direction and while following 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 confidence and privacy by keeping information confidential.
Monitor dental supplies and inventory, anticipate needs, place and expedite orders, verify receipt, and ensure operatories and other clinic areas are stocked.
Provide clinic administrative support, including maintaining the MSDS notebook, reporting equipment problems, and completing exposure and incident forms.
Assist in other clinics and perform related duties as needed or directed by the clinic manager/supervisor.