Dental assistant

Four Rivers Community Health Center; Rolla (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Rivers Community Health Center is seeking a Dental Assistant responsible for assisting dentists with patient care and performing clinical tasks. The ideal candidate will prepare materials, assist during treatments, and manage patient records in a clinical setting.

A high school diploma or GED is required, alongside CPR certification. The role involves exposure to various work conditions, requiring flexibility and the capacity to lift and carry materials.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of dental health education subjects.
• Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists with patient care and follow-up.
• Prepare patients for treatment and procedures.
• Sterilize dental instruments and maintain a clean environment.
• Expose and process radiographs.

Skills

Patient care support

Infection control procedures

Dental hygiene instructions

Education

High School Graduate or GED

Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant

Job description

Position Summary

Assists dentists with patient care and follow-up providing direct and indirect patient care in a clinical setting. The Dental Assistant performs duties such as: prepare the patient for treatment, assist the dentist in performing their treatment to the patient in preventative and restorative dentistry or oral surgery, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for dentist's use, take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments, ordering supplies, and aiding with dental billing.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Dental Clinic Manager

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Greets patients and escort them to work area
• Work with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair and to prepare them for treatments and procedures
• Review the health history, make chart entries and assure that forms are signed and completed
• Sterilize dental instruments
• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures
• Prepare the work area for patient treatment by setting out instruments and materials
• Ensure clinic areas are kept stocked at acceptable levels
• Assist the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist
• Help dentist by handing them instruments during procedures
• Keep patients' mouths dry by using suction hoses and other equipment
• Instruct patients in proper dental hygiene and dietary instructions
• Check equipment daily to ensure accurate functioning
• Expose, process and mount radiographs
• Ensure that all activities completed are charted within the patient's record
• Ensure patient flow is timely and accurate throughout the unit
• Complete billing charges at the end of each treatment

All dental assistants complete tasks, such as helping dentists with procedures and keeping patient records, but there are four regulated tasks that Registered Dental Assistants may perform.

• Coronal polishing
• Sealant application
• Fluoride application
• Topical anesthetics application

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Graduate or GED
• Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Demonstrate knowledge of dental health education subjects

Preferred Education And Qualifications

• Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant
• Expanded Function Licenses
• N2O Certification

Working Conditions

Perform all duties in a manner that promotes team concept and reflects the Community Health Center mission and philosophy.

Willingness to work a flexible schedule when circumstances necessitate.

Physical Demands: Lifting, bending, reaching, pushing, carrying, sitting, vision corrected in normal range, hearing corrected in normal range.

Hazardous Conditions: Exposure to infectious diseases; potential exposure to physical violence.

Exposed to: Cold/heat controls, close contact with sick patients.

Multiple Duties: Must be able to work under conditions of constant interruption and be able to stay on task.

This job description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions may change as organizational needs evolve.