JOB TITLE: Dental Assistant

FLSA: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Dental Operations

Under the supervision of the Manager of Dental Operations, the Dental Assistant will prepare patients to be seen in the operatory, provide general chair side assistance, infection control, take x-rays, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Reviews with patient his/her medical history; ensuring that all consent forms are properly completed and signed.

• Charts the teeth according to instructions given by the dentist or dental hygienist.

• Insures that all instruments are properly prepared and arranged on the dental tray before the planned procedure is initiated.
• Assists with procedures carefully and thoroughly as instructed, ensuring use of proper techniques and equipment, and ensuring compliance with applicable OSHA and UHC guidelines.
• Disinfects the operatory with the provided surface disinfectant (e.g., light handles, cuspidor, and its workings, headrest, cavitron handles, curing lights, hand-pieces, etc.); Performs biological sterilization, monitors once a week, and maintains sterilization log; Disinfects and sterilizes all instruments carefully according to the written policy, returning to their proper place.
• Inventories, inspects, and maintains (e.g., oils hand pieces daily with designated lubricants) all dental equipment and instrumentation prior to its use to ensure proper functioning (i.e., free of defects), reporting all defects immediately to Dentist.
• Gives and explains both pre/post-operative instructions for oral surgical, periodontal, and endodontic surgical procedures.
• Orders and maintains supplies; ensures operatory is sufficiently stocked with disposals, tongue blades, suctioning devices, Q-tips, etc.
• Disinfects all incoming and outgoing lab cases according to policy.

• Completion of an accredited CDA Program.
• Registered as Dental Assistant in Washington, DC
• DANB Certification, preferred.
• CPR Certified.
• At least two years of experience.
• Bilingual: English/Spanish preferred.

• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices, and techniques.
• Possess knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation techniques.
• Possess knowledge for selecting appropriate radiographic technique exposure factors to produce radiographs.

This position doesn't have direct reports. This position reports to the Manager of Dental Operations.

The Dental Assistant abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies, as well as UHC policies and procedures.

The position of Dental Assistant requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organizational relationships that may be part of the work of this individual.

Some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and paper is required.

The Dental Assistant work involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

Although the position is assigned a specific shift, this position may be assigned alternate shifts to address the needs of Unity Health Care.

RISKS

The position involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC health Care Sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated. The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organization relationships that may be a part of the work of this individual. All medical services shall be provided according to medically accepted community standards of care. The employee shall provide evidence of a recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a PPD and/or chest x-ray results.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.