Dental Assistant

WESTERN WAYNE FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS•Taylor, MI

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant helps provide dental care to patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center. The position includes chair-side assistance, preparing restorative materials and medications, sterilizing instruments, laboratory work, patient scheduling, and record keeping. The Dental Assistant also provides dental care instruction and patient education in accordance with established procedures and accepted practices. The role supports clinic-wide customer relations, teamwork, continuous improvement, communication, and self-management. It requires respectful interactions with patients, visitors, physicians, and employees; cooperation across departments; participation in in-services, continuing education, and departmental meetings; clear and confidential communications; and carrying out assignments with limited direction. Weekend and shift work may be necessary.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Completion of a one-year dental assistance program, or two years of experience as a dental assistant, including one year of experience in a dental or medical clinic.
Knowledge of dental terminology and equipment.
Knowledge of chair-side assistance techniques and routine dental laboratory work.
Knowledge of materials and quantities used to mix dental solutions, restorative materials, and medications.
Knowledge of hot and cold sterilization techniques.
Knowledge of X-ray equipment and procedures.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to file and maintain dental records and related documents.
Ability to communicate effectively and get along well with others.

Nice To Haves

Possession of radiography certification involving completion of a dental radiography course taught in a program approved by the Michigan Board of Dentistry, pursuant to Administrative Rule R338.11307.

Responsibilities

Assist the dentist chair-side by delivering and receiving instruments, restorative and impression materials, and medications.
Mix and prepare solutions, restorative materials, and medications for procedures.
Clean and sterilize dental instruments using an autoclave or cold sterilization technique.
Perform laboratory work, including preparing impression material, pouring impressions, preparing models and base plates, performing minor prosthetic repairs, and trimming and polishing prosthetics.
Take X-rays and process, label, and store X-ray film.
Inventory dental instruments and supplies.
Log treatment data and maintain patient records.
Answer the telephone and schedule appointments.
Order necessary dental supplies.
Perform related work as assigned.
Treat patients, guests, physicians, and employees with care, courtesy, and respect, and respond promptly to requests and clinic communications.
Work cooperatively with the department and other areas, assist colleagues, and respond to requests for assistance.
Look for and suggest improvements, complete assignments effectively, and participate in in-services, continuing education programs, and departmental meetings.
Keep appropriate people informed; communicate clearly, tactfully, and appropriately; and respect confidentiality and privacy.
Represent Western Wayne Family Health Center positively, carry out assignments with little direction, maintain confidentiality, and provide appropriate notice of absence or tardiness.