Expanded Duty Dental Assistant

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 record 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
• Receive 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. File x-ray films and case reports.
• Charts information dictated by the dentist on the chart such as lesions, missing teeth, etc.
• Act 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.