Dental Assistant I- Quincy (0197)

SIU Medicine; Quincy (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated dental team at a forward-thinking institution, providing exceptional dental care services. In this role, you will assist dentists and hygienists in delivering quality patient care, manage dental instruments, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Your expertise will play a crucial role in educating patients and supervising dental assistant students. This position offers a unique opportunity to grow within a supportive environment focused on community health and education. If you are passionate about dental care and eager to make a difference, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in dental assisting and patient care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentist during procedures and manage dental instruments.
• Maintain patient records and schedule appointments.
• Supervise dental assisting personnel and train staff.

Skills

Dental Assisting

Patient Care

X-ray Techniques

Sterilization Procedures

Inventory Management

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Dental Instruments

Radiographic Equipment

Job description

Description

The incumbent will work as part of a dental team consisting of a Dentist, Dental Hygienist, and Front Desk staff to provide efficient and effective dental care services. Employees at this level provide advanced assistance to dental students or instructors/faculty/residents in rendering dental services, anticipate their needs, perform specialized laboratory procedures, assist with hospital and laboratory cases, and instruct dental assistant students in techniques, theory, and practice of dental assisting.

Examples of Duties

PATIENT CARE 80%

• Handle instruments and other materials to the dentist during procedures
• Independently complete coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants
• Apply fluoride varnish
• Follow OSHA guidelines and HIPAA compliance
• Work as part of a dental team with dentist, hygienist, and front office
• Take x-rays of patient teeth
• Use suction and swabs to keep mouths clear and dry during procedures
• Apply topical anesthetic to mouths
• Organize and prepare dental instruments for procedures/exams
• Sterilize dental instruments and equipment between patients and at the end of the day
• Obtain dental records, update medical history, and record accurate patient information
• Advise patients on dental care
• Assist hygienist
• Take impressions of mouths and pour models
• Complete lab slips and communicate with labs
• Make temporary crowns
• Assist during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating dental materials, retracting, evacuating oral cavity, and assisting with sedations
• Evaluate asepsis in the dental operatory before, during, and after treatment according to OSHA guidelines
• Determine needs, order, store, and maintain inventory of supplies and equipment
• Maintain and ensure efficient operation of clinic equipment
• Supervise personnel performing dental assisting activities, assign cases, evaluate work, and assist in hiring
• Expose digital, CBCT, and film-based radiographs; train staff on radiographic techniques and radiation safety
• Instruct and evaluate dental assistant and/or dental students in specialized procedures
• Oversee pre- and post-operative patient education
• Supervise and assist personnel providing ambulatory services; assign cases to doctors
• Communicate with patients as guided by students or instructors
• Perform duties comparable to the next lower level and other related duties as assigned

INDIRECT PATIENT CARE 20%

• Schedule appointments, maintain records, answer phones, order supplies, and perform other front desk tasks

Qualifications

CREDENTIALS TO BE VERIFIED BY PLACEMENT OFFICER

• High school diploma or equivalent

Supplemental Information

If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail] or call 217-545-0223, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research, and service to the community.

The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at https://www.siumed.edu/police-security. This report contains policy statements and crime statistics in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, providing equal employment and educational opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status, in accordance with applicable laws.

Pre-employment background screenings are required.