Dental Assistant

University of Rochester

4d•$20 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, the Dental Assistant anticipates and assists Dentists and other providers in delivering patient care and helps coordinate and operate the clinic or dental operating room. The role provides chairside or operating room support, maintains sterile conditions and aseptic technique, and performs advanced dental functions under New York State licensure. The Dental Assistant prepares and stocks operatories, maintains supplies and equipment, cleans and decontaminates instruments, sterilizes instruments, and completes related laboratory work. The role helps ensure patient safety by anticipating equipment and procedural needs, reviewing patient records, following clinical safety measures, and assisting patients with special needs. Duties also include taking and developing radiographs, using equipment to document vital signs during sedation cases, contributing to quality assurance and research activities, and supporting new-hire training. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or current high school student in good academic standing.
BLS-Basic Life Support certification within 6 months of hire.
Perform advanced dental functions under New York State licensure.
Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and computer experience are preferred.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience as a Dental Assistant or in an Operating Room environment.
Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures.
Computer experience.

Responsibilities

Provide chairside or operating room assistance to Dentists and other providers.
Maintain a sterile environment and use aseptic technique, including four-handed technique, instrument transfer, retraction, and operation of oral vacuum equipment.
Maintain inventory of equipment, instruments, forms, and supplies; identify replacement needs and assist with ordering processes as needed.
Stock, clean, and prepare operatories and dental units; clean, decontaminate, and maintain instruments and equipment, and identify or perform repairs.
Complete laboratory work following patient visits, such as pouring denture, partial, or crown models, making bite guards, or preparing fluoride trays.
Dispose of hazardous waste and chemicals and escort patients to and from operatories as needed.
Assist patients with special needs and follow clinical safety measures, including patient identification verification.
Anticipate equipment, material, and supply needs for patients and providers, and review patient records to prepare for visit complexity and timing.
Set up and use specialized equipment to document vital signs, including pulse oximetry during nitrous oxide or IV sedation cases.
Take intraoral, extraoral, and panorex radiographs; anticipate diagnostic needs; develop and mount radiographs.
Perform instrument sterilization.
Collect and enter data for quality assurance and departmental initiatives, perform QA testing, and ensure compliance with QA expectations.
Support research activities, including assistance with sample or biopsy collection.
Participate in shadow training or other technical training for new hires.
In the absence of a Lead Dental Assistant, perform other managerial duties as assigned by the Supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned.