Overview
Assists the Dentist in providing optimal oral health care to patients.
Responsibilities
- Greets and receives patients in a friendly, professional manner.
- Prepares dental room for each patient.
- Prepares dental tray with instruments and medications used for each procedure.
- Provides reassurance to patient before, during and after the dental procedure.
- Drapes patient with sheet/covering before the procedure begins. Places rubber dams on teeth as applicable.
- Assists the dentist with procedures; passes instruments and materials to dentist.
- Maintains patient’s mouth clean and dry during the procedure with suction devices, water sprays, cotton rolls, holders, etc.
- Prepares restorative materials and dental cements.
- Prepares materials for making impressions and restorations.
- Provides patient education; proper oral hygiene and post-treatment care.
- Follows standard precautions at all times; wears mask, goggles and gloves.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Responsible for infection control in the dental office.
- Correctly uses the autoclave and chemical disinfectants to sterilize dental instruments.
- Takes and processes dental x-rays under the supervision of the dentist.
- May perform laboratory duties under the supervision of the dentist: making casts of patient’s teeth and mouth from impressions; clean and polish removable appliances.
- Operates and maintains dental equipment safely and correctly.
- Maintains dental records.
- Answers the telephone in a professional and courteous manner. Routes calls appropriately. Schedules appointments.
- May perform patient billing.
- Maintains dental inventory; orders supplies as needed.
- Performs other clerical duties as requested.
- Remains current with changes in the field, new technologies, changes in regulations through continuing education, conferences, seminars, professional journals and societies.
Qualifications
Education:
- High School Graduate or GED required.
- Completion of a Dental Assistant Training Program from an ADA accredited community or technical college.
Experience:
- No prior experience required.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Understands medical terminology.
- Additional languages preferred.
- Basic computer knowledge.
- Able to operate various dental instruments and equipment.
Licenses, Certifications:
- Current registration as a Dental Assistant in the state of New York.
- Certification from the Dental Assisting National Board is preferred.
- Current Basic Cardiac Life Suppor (BCLS) certification.
- CRCST Certification preferred, NEW HIRES MUST GAIN CERTIFICATION WITHIN 12 MONTHS.
Physical Requirements:
- Involves standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing and bending.
- May include some repetitive motions.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Interfaith Medical Center.
IMC is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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