Expanded Duty Dental Assistant

CareSouth Medical & Dental; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 12,398 - 20,664; Full time

Job summary

CareSouth Medical & Dental in Baton Rouge, LA seeks a Certified Dental Assistant to support the Dental Director. You will assist the dentist during examinations and treatments, take radiographs, sterilize instruments, and manage patient flow in a community health center setting.

Ideal candidates are CDA certified, detail-oriented, and able to communicate with patients of diverse backgrounds. This role involves routine clerical tasks and providing oral hygiene education when opportunities arise.

Qualifications

• CDA certification is required or clearly stated as a prerequisite.
• Proficiency with taking radiographs and understanding radiography safety.
• Experience with sterilization and instrument handling in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentist during examinations and procedures.
• Take and record vital signs and patient information.
• Prepare patient and instruments for treatment and radiographs.
• Maintain sterilization standards and clean work area.
• Document care provided and patient responses.
• Coordinate with reception for patient flow and scheduling.

Skills

Dental assisting

X-ray procedures

Sterilization

Education

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

Tools

X-ray equipment

Sterilization equipment

Job description

Summary

Under the supervision of the Dental Director, the Certified Dental Assistant renders dental care to patients. The Dental Assistant performs semi‑technical dental and routine clerical work in a dental department located in a community health center. Work involves assisting the dentist during examinations and treatment, cleanings, sterilizing, and arranging instruments, and assisting dentist with x-rays.

Primary Responsibilities

• Completes initial assessment of patient according to department Policy and Procedures and documents appropriately.
• Takes and records pulse, blood pressure and temperature.
• Notes individual patient’s limitations and dental needs.
• Reassesses patient according to departmental guidelines and documents appropriately.
• Applies the dental process to each patient and implements limited dental actions.
• Follows plan of care for each patient.
• Receives dentist orders, records and assures completion.
• Assists dentist with exams and procedures.
• Documents the care provided to patients, and their reaction to that care.
• Recognizes emergency situations and responds appropriately.
• Seats and prepares patients, adjusts dental chair.
• Arranges dental instruments and materials for each patient, assists dentist with instrumentation, medication and management of the patient during treatment procedures.
• Assists dentist in the use of highly specialized dental equipment, such as the x‑ray machine, aspirator, and amalgamator.
• Mixes and prepares solutions and materials for fillings, washes and sterilizes instruments and clean work area following treatment.
• Takes radiographs of patients as prescribed by dentist. Files x‑ray films and case reports.
• Charts information dictated by the dentist on the chart such as lesions, missing teeth, etc.
• Acts as a communication link between dentist and receptionist.
• Performs routine dental laboratory work.
• Performs routine maintenance of dental equipment, i.e., oiling of hand pieces and contra‑angles.
• Orders dental and office supplies.
• Provides patient, family, significant other teaching as opportunities arise or as need is identified.
• Presents group instruction in oral health care utilizing models and audio‑visual aids.
• Conducts oral hygiene instructions with patients and parents of juveniles.
• Explains dental care procedures using correct terminology; supplements explanation with reasons why.
• School Age
• Adolescent/Adult
• Geriatrics
• Utilizes appropriate resources to accommodate age, education, cultural and communication barriers.
• Initiates referrals as needed per dentist and appropriate follow‑up.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary: $15.30