Dental Assistant I

Job Title Dental Assistant I

Position Code: E01N Non Exempt

Department Health Center Operations

Location: Health Centers

Union Exempt: No

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

A. Position Summary

Under general supervision, provides a range of clinical, administrative, and staff support to a full-range dental services operation. Assists in the performance of dental and radiography procedures; prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies in accordance with established protocol, procedures, policies, and standards, and assists in the coordination of day-to-day patient administration, records management, and office support activities.

B. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides chair side assistance to dentists and/or dental hygienists in the performance of dental procedures, to include operative, preventive, periodontal, endodontic, prosthetic, and/or oral surgical procedures.
2. Prepares, sterilizes, organizes, and sets up dental equipment, ensures that all dental instruments are cleaned, dated, and processed according to established clinic guidelines and standards.
3. Monitors and maintains dental equipment, such as compressors, evacuator systems, radiographic developing equipment, sterilizers, and light curing units, in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines.
4. Exposes and processes dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders; assists in the monitoring and maintenance of radiation safety procedures and protocols.
5. Follows and maintains all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations, guidelines, policies, and standards for the provision of dental clinical services.
6. Orders and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies.
7. Interacts with and processes dental clinic patients; performs telephone triage, conducts patient interviews, and obtains prior approvals from third party payors.
8. Maintains dental laboratory slips and creates and maintains dental records in accordance with established protocol and procedures.
9. Prepares instruments for sterilization and storage in trays.
10. Educates patients based on a sound knowledge of prevention and control of oral diseases; uses various teaching aids to effectively present the information to patients.
11. Inventories and orders materials and supplies for the dental clinic.
12. Contacts patients by telephone for return visits.
13. Takes and pours up dental impressions under direction of a dentist.
14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.