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 role includes chairside assistance using four-handed dentistry techniques, preparing and cleaning operatories, maintaining and sterilizing instruments and equipment, acquiring radiographs and other imaging, and assisting with patient care before and after procedures, including monitoring patients who have received anesthesia. The Dental Assistant also maintains patient information in the Electronic Health Record, keeps supplies and inventory stocked, provides clinic administrative support, and follows infection-control, x-ray safety, confidentiality, and OSHA requirements. The position may assist in other clinics and perform related duties as directed by the clinic manager/supervisor. The position requires either a high school diploma, completion of an ADA-accredited dental assisting course, and three years of dental assisting experience, or a high school diploma and five years of dental assisting experience. Current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required, as are the specified South Carolina Board of Dentistry-approved radiation safety course and exam.

Requirements

High school diploma and either completion of an ADA-accredited dental assisting course plus three years of dental assisting experience, or five years of dental assisting experience.
Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
Successful completion of the South Carolina LLR and Board of Dentistry-approved Radiation Safety certification structured course and exam; completion of a South Carolina Board-approved radiation safety course and exam is also required.

Responsibilities

Perform chairside assistance using four-handed dentistry techniques during dental procedures, from general dentistry to advanced specialty care that may involve general anesthesia management.
Update and use patient information in 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 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, clean work environment.
Acquire or assist in acquiring radiographs and other imaging, including periapical, panoramic, cephalometric, and 3-D imagery and intraoral scans, in accordance with treatment plans or provider direction and x-ray safety standards.
Assist with patient care, including transport to and from the waiting area and monitoring surgical patients for safety after anesthesia.
Protect patient confidence and privacy by keeping information confidential.
Check dental supply stock, anticipate supply needs, place and expedite orders, verify receipt, and ensure instruments and supplies are maintained and stocked in operatories and other clinic areas.
Provide administrative clinic support, including maintaining the MSDS notebook, reporting equipment problems, and completing exposure and incident forms.
Assist in other clinics and perform related duties or other tasks as directed by the clinic manager/supervisor.