POSITION SUMMARY:
The Registered Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentist in all aspects of dentistry, and performing extra-oral duties or functions under the general or direct supervision of the dentist. This position reports directly to the Dental Clinic Manager.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Licensed as a Registered Dental Assistant by the Board of Dental Examiners of the State of California and completion of an accredited dental assistant program, and at least six (6) months of experience working in a dental office
- Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Ability to relate to low-income community residents
- Preference will be given to individuals bilingual in Spanish and English; written and verbal
- Valid California Driver's license, proof of insurance and personal transportation
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
- Assists the Dentist in all phases of four-handed dentistry.
- Under general supervision, perform mouth-mirror inspection of the oral cavity, to include charting of obvious lesions, existing restorations and missing teeth.
- Under general supervision, does placement and removal of temporary sedative dressings; and treatment of dry canals, previously opened by the supervising dentist, with absorbent points, tests pulp vitality, places bases and liners on sound denti, removes excess from supra gingival surfaces of teeth, sizes stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns and bands, and removes orthodontic bands, and performs coronal polishing.
- Takes impressions for diagnostic and opposing models.
- Places and removes rubber dams.
- Assures that operatories and equipment are maintained, clean and organized for use.
- Sets up tables and trays with necessary items and instruments.
- Sterilizes instruments as needed-autoclave & cold sterilization.
- Maintains inventory of all dental supplies
- Assists the dentist and hygienist to provide special knowledge on the preventive aspect of oral health to center patients.
- Performs basic administrative office procedures.
- Records oral exams as directed by the dentist
- Pours and trims models for diagnostic studies.
- Exposes, processes, and mounts radiographs.
- Aids in the presentation of post-operative instruction.
- Assists in the delivery of local anesthetic.
- Translates for the dentist as required
- May be required to work week nights and weekends
- Performs other duties as assigned or required
Registered Dental Assistant
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PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of dental assistant principles and practices
- Knowledge of procedures for taking dental x-rays
- Knowledge of how to sterilize instruments
- Knowledge of preventive oral health concepts
- Skill in assisting dentist in four-handed dentistry
- Knowledge of basic office management techniques
- Knowledge of dental equipment and instruments to assist in administering care
- Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment
- Skill in maintaining records and recording examination and x-ray results
- Skill in coronal polishing, treating dry canals, placing bases and liners on sound dentin, sizing of stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns and bands, and temporary cementing and removal of temporary crowns and orthodontic bands
- Skill in developing and maintaining clinic quality assurance
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, dental staff and the public
- Ability to maintain quality control standards
- Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
- Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures
- Ability to communicate clearly
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work may require sitting for long periods of time; also stooping, bending and stretching for files and supplies. Occasionally lifting files or paper weighing up to 25 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, type at 25 wpm, operate a calculator, telephone, copier, and such other office equipment as necessary. Vision must be correctable to 20/40 and hearing must be in the normal range for telephone contacts.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work performed in dental clinic involves frequent contact with patients. Work may be stressful at time. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive. Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances and other conditions common to a clinic environment.