Dental Assitant

meskwaki; Tama (IA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Meskwaki Dental Assistant position in the Health department is a non-exempt role based in Iowa. The candidate will assist dentists, take x-rays, manage records, and maintain infection control with a focus on patient care and team collaboration.

Required Iowa registration, CPR, and radiology qualification or supervision. Prior dental office experience and familiarity with electronic records are preferred. Background checks and drug testing apply.

Qualifications

• Registered Dental Assistant in Iowa is required.
• Active radiology qualification or ability to operate under supervision.
• CPR certification required.
• One year dental office experience preferred.
• Experience with electronic dental records.
• Experience working with Native Americans preferred.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must adhere to confidentiality guidelines and policies.
• Background check and pre-employment drug test may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentist and hygienist during procedures and set up trays.
• Take and record digital dental radiographs.
• Set up the office in the morning and close down in the evening.
• Record treatment information in patient records.
• Develop infection control protocols.
• Prepare, maintain, and sterilize instruments and equipment.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after treatment.
• Instruct patients on post-treatment oral care and hygiene.
• Take impressions for study casts and pour models.
• Work in a team environment and assist with office tasks.
• Monitor inventory of instruments, equipment and supplies.
• Send x-rays and records to outside providers electronically.
• Assist with referrals and dental emergencies.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Manual dexterity

Confidentiality and policies adherence

Education

Registered Dental Assistant – Iowa

Tools

Electronic dental records

Job description

TITLE: Dental Assistant DEPARTMENT: Health

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assisting the dentist and/or hygienist during a variety of treatment procedures including setting up instrument trays.


• Taking and recording digital dental radiographs (x-rays).


• Assist in setting up office in the morning and closing down in the evening.


• Collect and record treatment information in patient record.


• Assist in development of infection control protocol.


• Preparing, maintain, and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.


• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.


• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling).


• Teaching patients' appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).


• Taking impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth).


• Pour, trim, and polish study casts (models of teeth).


• Work in team environment.


• Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer.


• Monitor and manage inventory of dental instruments, equipment, materials, and related supplies.


• Sends x-rays, records and insurance information to outside providers via electronic media.


• Assist with referrals to outside providers.


• Assist dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.


• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be Registered Dental Assistant in state of Iowa.


• Prefer active radiology qualification issued by the Iowa Dental Board (IDB) or be able to operate under supervision of dentist.


• Must possess CPR certification.


• Prefer one-year experience in dental office.


• Must have experience with electronic dental records.


• Prefer experience working with Native Americans.


• Have good manual dexterity.


• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Must adhere to confidentiality guidelines and policies.

SUPERVISION: Supervised by Dentist

SALARY RANGE: $45,572.80 - $61,380.80

Applicants will be required to submit to a background check and to a pre-employment drug test.