Job Description

Description: Dental Assistant

Purpose: Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; performing procedures in compliance with the Dental Practice Act.

Job Duties:

• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
• Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
• Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining cpr certification, emergency medication and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions.
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Interprets TCC services and policies to patients and families
• Assists patients and families in functioning at their optimum level
• Deals with public and staff, both in person and over the telephone, in tactful and professional manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education/Skills/Qualifications:

• High School Graduate, Associates Degree or higher in health field preferred
• Infection control required
• Ability to work as part of a team required
• Current CPR certification
• One year ambulatory or public health experience is preferred
• Strong assessment skills preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required
• Leadership and organizational skills essential
• Bilingual especially in Spanish is preferred
• Computer literate preferred
• Knowledge of medical/dental office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of problem-oriented record-keeping
• Correct English usage, spelling, and grammar
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision
• Self-motivated and flexible to daily patient schedule and/or clinic needs

The Chautauqua Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era, pregnancy, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship or membership in any other legally protected class.