Four Rivers Community Health Center is hiring: Dental Assistant in Rolla

Position Summary

Assists dentists with patient care and follow-up providing direct and indirect patient care in a clinical setting. The Dental Assistant performs duties such as preparing the patient for treatment, assisting the dentist in performing treatments in preventative and restorative dentistry or oral surgery, preparing materials and equipment for treatment and having them ready for the dentist's use, taking x-rays and assisting the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work, including making appointments, ordering supplies, and aiding with dental billing.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Dental Clinic Manager

Essential Job Responsibilities

Demonstrates ability to carry out skills as outlined in the Dental Policies and Procedures for clinical areas including preparing patients, sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting the dentist during dental procedures.

• Greets patients and escort them to work area
• Work with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair and to prepare them for treatments and procedures
• Review the health history, make chart entries and assure that forms are signed and completed
• Sterilize dental instruments
• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures
• Prepare the work area for patient treatment by setting out instruments and materials
• Ensure clinic areas are kept stocked at acceptable levels
• Assists the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist
• Help dentist by handing them instruments during procedures
• Keep patients' mouths dry by using suction hoses and other equipment
• Instruct patients in proper dental hygiene and dietary instructions
• Check equipment daily to ensure accurate functioning
• Expose, process and mount radiographs
• Ensure that all activities completed are charted within the patient's record
• Ensure patient flow is timely and accurate throughout the unit
• Complete billing charges at the end of each treatment

All dental assistants complete tasks, such as helping dentists with procedures and keeping patient records, but there are four regulated tasks that Registered Dental Assistants may perform.

• Coronal polishing
• Sealant application
• Fluoride application
• Topical anesthetics application

Minimum Qualifications

High School Graduate or GED

Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Demonstrate knowledge of dental health education subjects

Preferred Education And Qualifications

Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant

Expanded Function Licenses

N2O Certification

Working Conditions

Perform all duties in a manner that promotes team concept and reflects the Community Health Center mission and philosophy. Willingness to work a flexible schedule when circumstances necessitate. Physical Demands: lifting, bending, reaching, pushing, carrying, sitting; vision and hearing within normal corrected ranges. Hazardous Conditions: exposure to infectious diseases; potential exposure to physical violence. Exposed to cold/heat controls, close contact with sick patients. Multiple Duties: able to work under constant interruption and stay on task.