The Dental Assistant facilitates delivery of dental services by the dentist and dental hygienists.

• Assists dentist and hygienist during examination and treatment of patients.
• Prepares patient for dental examination and treatment.
• disinfects and/or sterilizes instrumentation and equipment, sets up instrumentation, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures.
• Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient;
• Exposes and processes dental diagnostic x-rays, when dentist is on site.
• Assists dentist/resident/hygienist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
• Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Provides pre/peri/post-operative instructions as prescribed by dentist,
• Maintains dental, electronic medical records.
• Maintaining dental inventory and supports ordering/inventory control.
• Assists in referral process.
• Performs water testing on a regular or as needed.
• Updates the MSDS book for incoming new dental products and revisions.
• Ensures OSHA and all safety requirements are practiced.
• Reviews and maintains sterilization records.
• Scans all necessary documents into the EMR.
• Routes telephone notes and electronic records to appropriate dentist;
• Accesses patient portal for pertinent information;
• Confirms authorizations for non-covered dental services.
• Performs all duties, as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Graduate of an approved dental assistant training program, preferred.
• Minimum 6 months experience as a dental assistant, preferred.
• Basic Life Support Certification/AED, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies Required:

• Familiarity serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, desirable.
• Strong ability to support busy dental program.
• Proficiency in oral, written and computer skills required.