Dental Assistant

Meharry Medical College; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Meharry Medical College is seeking a Dental Assistant to operate under supervision, taking radiographs and assisting in patient care. The role includes preparing patients, maintaining records, and managing supplies in assigned clinical areas.

The candidate will work with faculty, residents and students, and ensure proper sterilization of instruments and equipment, while supporting daily clinical operations and patient care.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of dental terminology and HIPAA.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain accuracy with records.
• Knowledge of sterilization/infection control techniques.

Responsibilities

• Set up and take radiographs (digital/manual) and log X-rays.
• Assist in taking patient vital signs and preparing for procedures.
• Maintain supplies and equipment and request requisitions as needed.
• Sterilize instruments and maintain sterilization logs.
• Assist faculty, residents and students during procedures.

Skills

Dental terminology

HIPAA knowledge

Multi-tasking

Professional & courteous

Effective communication

Education

Dental terminology knowledge

Tools

Sterilization equipment (autoclave)

Job description

The Dental Assistant works under general supervision. Sets up and take radiographs (digital and/or manual), and logs in x-rays taken. Assists in taking patient’s vital signs. Assures that all paperwork, documentation and records are ready and available at the time patients arrive for clinic visits. Is responsible for requisitioning, dispensing and maintain supplies and equipment in the assigned clinical areas. This position reports clinic equipment malfunctions to the dental maintenance area. This position is responsible for sterilization of equipment assigned to the respective clinic. This position works with faculty, residents and students. Daily Operations Dental Auxiliary Utilization (DAU). Assists Students, Residents and Dentist, prepares for dental treatment by draping patient with covering; arranges dental instruments, materials and medications on chair side tray in the order they are to be used according to scheduled treatment. Pass instruments to the student, resident and dentist during patient treatment; mixes dental material for procedure. Keeps oral operating areas clear during dental procedures by use of suction devices; water sprays, cotton rolls and holders. Takes patients vital signs Sterilization of dental instruments and proper maintenance of log books Takes radiographs digital for review and study. Administers home care instructions. Working with assigned Team to ensure the best patient experience. Sterilizes, disinfects all instruments and equipment using autoclaves or chemical disinfectants. Answers the telephone, take messages for persons working their clinical area. Assigns chairs to students in the appropriate clinical area. Maintains inventory of supplies needed for the appropriate area. Obtain, verifies and records patient demographic information. Retrieve and timely response to patient messages (telephone and automated (Televox). Requisitions supplies for the appropriate clinical area. Issues supplies and equipment to dental students working in the appropriate clinical area.

Required Skills

Professional and courteous, ability to multi-task and knowledge of dental terminology and HIPPA. Knowledge of names and use of dental instruments and equipment. Knowledge of basic methods of dental record keeping and reporting. Knowledge of sterilization/infection control techniques and procedures. Knowledge of record keeping and reporting. Working knowledge of equipment and instruments used in Dentistry. Ability to maintain adequate inventories supplies. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty, residents, students and other employees. Ability to evaluate and assist Faculty, residents, students in chair procedures. Ability to understand technical and medical nomenclature. Ability to file alphabetically and numerically. Ability to relate to the public in a tactful and courteous manner. Ability to accomplish other duties within the scope of a dispensary clerk as assigned by the supervisors

Required Education

Professional and courteous, ability to multi-task and knowledge of dental terminology and HIPPA. Knowledge of names and use of dental instruments and equipment. Knowledge of basic methods of dental record keeping and reporting. Knowledge of sterilization/infection control techniques and procedures. Knowledge of record keeping and reporting. Working knowledge of equipment and instruments used in Dentistry. Ability to maintain adequate inventories supplies. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty, residents, students and other employees. Ability to evaluate and assist Faculty, residents, students in chair procedures. Ability to understand technical and medical nomenclature. Ability to file alphabetically and numerically. Ability to relate to the public in a tactful and courteous manner. Ability to accomplish other duties within the scope of a dispensary clerk as assigned by the supervisors

Required Licensure, Certification or Registration

State of Tennessee Dental Assistant National Board Certification with Dental Radiology Certification Basic Life Support (BLS)

Preferred Licensure, Certification or Registration

Nitrous Oxide certification ACLS, PALS, DAANCE

About Meharry

Meharry Medical College was founded just 11 years after the end of the Civil War with the mission of educating African Americans to serve the underserved. Today, the nation’s largest private, historically black academic health sciences center has trained thousands of health care professionals. Three out of every four Meharrians return to urban or rural communities to serve others by providing medical or dental services. Our faith-based roots within the United Methodist Church inspire us to respect and serve all. Our standards are high within an educational environment that is nurturing. We believe that health equity is key to alleviating suffering. Whether our graduates are physicians, dentists, scientists, professors or public health professionals, the Meharry experience equips them to affect the world as a force for change led by our motto: “Worship of God Through Service to Mankind.” Mission Meharry Medical College is a global academic health sciences center advancing health equity through innovative research, transformative education, exceptional and compassionate health services and policy-influencing thought leadership. True to its legacy, Meharry empowers diverse populations to improve the well‑being of humankind.

Core Values

Meharry Medical College is a community of scholars and learners committed to excellence Accountability with transparency Equity with inclusion Respect with collegiality Service with compassion Integrity without exception Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Meharry Medical College complies with Title IX and is an affirmative action employer. Candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination for an non-merit reason such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, handicap or veteran status.

Contact

For questions regarding employment, please contact 615-327-6336 or [e-mail].