Dental Assistant I

About the position

The dental assistant is a member of the dental team whose primary responsibility is to assist the dentist in providing dental patient care. The employee will assist with a vast scope of dental procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assists the dentist(s) chair side during procedures. Anticipates the dentist’s needs at each stage of the treatment procedure by passing instruments, medications, and materials.
• Actively participates in the treatment procedure by retracting tissue, tongue and cheek, keeping area of operation clear, and preventing build-up of saliva and oral debris in patient’s mouth by the use of suction tip.
• Completes tasks as assigned and directed by the dentist in a responsible and timely matter.
• Assists patient in completing medical history statements, reviews patient medical history, signs legal documents (i.e., chart notes and consent form). Records examination and treatment information as relayed by dentist.
• Applies rubber dams and places cotton rolls to isolated operative sites.
• Takes preliminary impressions for study models and modifies impressions trays as needed. Pours and trims models from impressions. Makes custom impression trays.
• Other lab work as assigned.
• Remains compliant with infection control protocol.
• Cleans, sharpens, sterilizes, and prepares all dental instruments.
• Orders supplies, maintains inventory, and handles equipment problems as needed.
• Cleans and maintains the dental equipment as needed on a regular basis.
• Instructs patient/parents in preventive dental care by demonstrating brushing and flossing techniques and the use of disclosing tablets. Explains the common causes of decay and its relationship to general diet.
• Ensures that the PTN Dental Clinic is compliant with Nebraska radiation regulations and appropriate logs are being maintained.
• Performs receptionist duties related to scheduling dental appointments, receiving patients, answering telephone and properly documenting the dental visit for proper billing etc.
• Takes radiographic images as directed by the dentist. Operates, maintains, and adjusts dental X-ray equipment and materials. Positions patient to achieve proper angles for dental radiographs, Exposes intra- and extra-oral radiographs.
• Performs coronal polishing.
• Assists hygienists with recording probe depths, taking radiographs, polishing and seating patients as a routine part of the clinical day.
• Attention to detail, positive customer service, effective teamwork skills and proactive attitude.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Of legal age, with high school diploma or GED.
• Two years of general dentistry chairside experience within last 5 years or had completed an externship with the Ponca Dental Clinic.
• The ability to carry out the assigned duties of this position independently or with minimal supervision
• Computer skills or willingness to learn the computer programs of the dental clinic.
• X-ray certification.
• Coronal polishing certification.
• Knowledge of the dental assisting state statues and codes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, education, character, and criminal background checks.
• CPR certification within three months of hire
• Able and willing to travel.
• Passed the certification exam for dental assistants (CDA) offered by the Dental Assisting National Board
• Dental Assistant Certificate from an accredited dental assisting program or school
• Earned 1,500 hours of experience as a dental assistant within the past 5 years
• Applied for and was granted a Nebraska license to practice as a Dental Assistant
• Completed all of the following State of NE approved courses or achieve reciprocity: Dental Impressions for Fixed Prosthodontics, Dental impressions and Minor Adjustment for Removable Prostheses, Cement Prefabricated Fixed Prostheses on Primary Teeth, Monitoring and Administration of Nitrous Oxide
• With this permit a licensed dental assistant may place one surface restorations
• With this permit a license dental assistant may place complex restorations

Nice-to-haves

• Dental Assistant Certificate from an accredited college.
• Valid driver’s license and be insurable.
• One year experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
• Experience using Dentrix office management software and Dexis imaging software.
• Experience with digital scanners.