Dental Assistant

NORTHERN COUNTIES HEALTH CARE INC•Hardwick, VT

16d

About The Position

Dental assistants provide essential support to dentists, ensuring smooth patient flow and effective dental care delivery. They assist with patient preparation, chair-side support during procedures, sterilization of instruments, and maintaining a clean, organized environment. Additionally, they may handle administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling and record-keeping, contributing to the overall efficiency of the dental clinic. Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities: PATIENT CARE 1. Assist the Dentist during procedures. Seat and discharge patients. Assure patient comfort and prepare set-ups. 2. Prepare solutions. 3. Takes x-rays and impressions. 4. Assist the Dental Hygienist as necessary. 5. Construct and seat/ cement temporaries. 6. Pour dental models and construct mouth guards and fluoride trays. RECORDS 1. Document clinical activities and relevant patient care information in dental records as per dental practice and health center protocols. INFECTION CONTROL 1. Clean and sterilize instruments QUALITY ASSURANCE 1. Participate in the development, implementation, audit, and continuous evaluation and improvement of protocols, services and programs provided by the dental service and/or the health center. 2. Maintain cleanliness of work lab, such as lab pans, rag wheels, micro etcher, vibrator, sink area, plaster and stone bins, and lab case boxes. OTHER 1. It is expected that you will meet the productivity standards that are set forth by your Supervisor and/or NCHC Division protocols. The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients of all ages.
Must maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Physically able to assist patients, stand/walk for long periods, lift up to 25 lbs.
Must be able to work under stress and around bodily fluids.
Must conduct oneself ethically and report any possible violations.

Nice To Haves

Provider level CPR/BLS certification (preferred).
Completion of certificated Dental Radiography course (preferred).
One year of experience in a dental practice setting (preferred).
Proficient in computer skills, including EMR, email, spreadsheets, and document processing (preferred).

Responsibilities

Assist the Dentist during procedures.
Seat and discharge patients.
Assure patient comfort and prepare set-ups.
Prepare solutions.
Takes x-rays and impressions.
Assist the Dental Hygienist as necessary.
Construct and seat/ cement temporaries.
Pour dental models and construct mouth guards and fluoride trays.
Document clinical activities and relevant patient care information in dental records as per dental practice and health center protocols.
Clean and sterilize instruments
Participate in the development, implementation, audit, and continuous evaluation and improvement of protocols, services and programs provided by the dental service and/or the health center.
Maintain cleanliness of work lab, such as lab pans, rag wheels, micro etcher, vibrator, sink area, plaster and stone bins, and lab case boxes.
Meet the productivity standards that are set forth by your Supervisor and/or NCHC Division protocols.