Dental Assistant
About The Position
To perform general assistant functions in the clinic to enhance the dentists’ services; to perform infection control processing and maintenance of dental instruments and equipment. This role involves assisting the dentist with patient care, including taking radiographs, providing oral hygiene instructions, and performing dental procedures. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for maintaining a sterile and organized work environment, including instrument processing, sterilization, and equipment maintenance. Additionally, the position assists in general office functions, dental record maintenance, and staying updated on dental technology. The role requires adherence to infection control policies and procedures, and participation in departmental meetings.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Current CPR Certification
- Ability to understand verbal information/instruction, to exchange verbal information with others and ability to present information/instruction verbally.
- Ability to read and understand written material and ability to compose information/instruction in written form.
- Ability to memorize.
- Ability to reason mathematically and to have problem solving and analytical skills.
Nice To Haves
- Graduate of approved Dental Assistant Program
- One-year dental assistant experience
- Conversational Spanish desirable.
Responsibilities
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Assist the dentist with patient care.
- Take radiographs as ordered by dentist.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
- Complete child prophy and application of fluoride varnish.
- Stock, set up and clean the operatory for each procedure.
- Take alginate impressions of patient and pour impressions with stone.
- Ensure that emergency medication and airway boxes are monitored per department P & P.
- Assist in ordering department supplies.
- Assist in general office functions.
- Assist in maintenance of dental records and audits.
- Maintain knowledge of current technology in dental health.
- Adhere to infection control policies and procedures for the dental department.
- Scrub and wash surgical instruments, containers, and equipment.
- Sterilize instruments, equipment, and supplies, such as surgical packs and treatment trays.
- Prepare packs of supplies, instruments, and dressing and treatment trays according to designated lists.
- Wrap, label, and seal packs.
- Store prepared items and supplies in designated areas.
- Perform routine maintenance on autoclaves and other equipment.
- Maintain CPR certification.
- Assist dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
- Provide dental health services appropriate to the age-specific needs of all patients in accordance with the principles of growth and development for infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric life cycles.
- Assist in training dental assistant students in accordance to institutional agreements.
- Maintain a professional and cordial environment in the clinic area and represent the Pueblo Community Health Center in a professional manner to the public.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Participate in departmental and General Staff Meetings.
Benefits
- Tobacco-free workplace
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
