Dental Assistant - Maxillofacial Surgery, Per Diem

Dartmouth-Hitchcock; Lebanon (NH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare seeks a dedicated Dental Assistant to provide direct patient care across various dental specialties. In this pivotal role, you will assist dentists during procedures, manage infection control protocols, and educate patients on oral hygiene practices. This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, ensuring patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout their dental experience. If you are passionate about patient care and looking to make a difference in the dental field, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and an associate’s degree or postsecondary certification in dental assistance.
• At least 1 year of experience in dental assisting.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist during treatment procedures and prepare needed tools.
• Record findings, sterilize equipment, and take dental radiographs.

Skills

Patient Care

Infection Control

Dental Radiographs

Oral Hygiene Education

Office Management

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s Degree in Dental Assistance

Tools

Personal Computer

Job description

Overview

Helps to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and oral surgery.

Responsibilities

1. Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures, including preparing and arranging needed tools and instruments for scheduled procedures. Hand necessary tools and equipment to the dentist and provide assistance during treatment.
2. Record findings, change barriers, or sterilize equipment.
3. Take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays). May also take impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth).
4. Ask about the patient's medical history and measure blood pressure and pulse.
5. Serve as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocols and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
6. Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.
7. Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling).
8. Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling).
9. Perform office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer.
10. Communicate with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing, and ordering supplies).
11. Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and an associate’s degree or postsecondary certification in dental assistance.
• At least 1 year of experience in dental assisting.

Required Licensure/Certifications

• NH Medical Technician Registration required upon hire.
• BLS certification upon hire.
• Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination (DAANCE) certification preferred.
• Radiation Health and Safety training required within 30 days of hire.