Senior Dental Assistant Job at Augusta University in Augusta
Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States, 30910
Senior Dental Assistant
Location: Augusta University
Job ID: 286703
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:
Overview
Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care. The Senior Dental Assistant performs extra-oral chair-side assisting duties in all phases of dentistry in the Dental Associates clinic, including emergency dentistry, restorative, pediatric, orthodontic, prosthodontic, endodontic, oral surgery, implant surgeries, and periodontics assisting. Other related work includes preventive and daily maintenance of dental operators and equipment, clerical tasks, radiological and receptionist responsibilities, and dental laboratory duties (pouring/trimming molds, fabricating bleaching trays, mouth guards, splints, and night guards). Serves as a liaison for patients, staff, students, residents, and faculty within the Dental College. Working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with multiple dentistry disciplines.
Responsibilities
- Chair side assistance for dental students, residents, and faculty, utilizing 4-handed dentistry techniques; manage operatory setup and asepsis; assist with restorative procedures including cementation, matrix placement, retraction cords, and implant surgeries.
- Instrument preparation and maintenance; ensure implant kits are complete and in good working order; prepare sterile trays for surgical procedures; assist with patient education on preventive care.
- Laboratory duties such as pouring and trimming models, constructing impression trays, night guards, bite rims; mount casts and adjust occlusion as needed.
- Radiography duties including taking routine and specialized radiographs; operate x-ray equipment; develop and mount radiographs in Axium; explain procedures to patients.
- Lead dental assistant responsibilities for the Moore Clinic as required.
- PRN duties include charting in software, updating medical histories, scheduling follow-ups, and supporting other department areas; assist with preclinical course items.
- Adhere to infection control and PPE guidelines; proper handling/disposal of hazardous materials and sharps per policies.
- Provide dental assisting services for Health Fairs on and off campus; assist faculty with screenings and educational materials.
- Prepare operators for treatment; set up, drape, and explain procedures to patients; mix materials for impressions/restorations; assist with surgery setups as schedule allows.
- Assist off-campus sites as needed with travel and mileage reimbursement where applicable.
- Participate in board certification exercises and special boards as required; weekend work may be involved.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent with two years of related experience.
- OR Certified Dental Assistant and/or Associate's degree with one year of dentistry experience.
- OR One year of experience as a Dental Assistant at the Dental College of Georgia.
- OR Bachelor’s degree with dental knowledge.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree with dental knowledge; graduation from a Certified Dental Assisting program; CPR and Intraoral Radiographic Certification.
- Two years of experience in dental assisting across multiple disciplines (operative, crown/bridge, removable prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, surgery, pediatric).
- CPR Certified; radiological safety training; Spanish language proficiency in clinical setting.
- Certified Dental Surgical Anesthesia Assistant or ability to obtain within first year; prior experience with mixing dental materials, taking x-rays, and chair-side assisting in multiple disciplines.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge of dental instruments, infection control, equipment, materials, and methods; proficient with Microsoft Office and practice management software.
- 4-handed dental procedures and chair-side assisting skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; detail-oriented; able to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and interact effectively with staff, students, faculty, and patients.
- Good manual dexterity; ability to lift up to 50 pounds; ability to learn sterilization principles and patient management software.
Shift/Salary/Benefits
Details not provided in the original description. Benefits are described by Augusta University policies.
Conditions of Employment
- Background check required prior to starting.
- Credit check may be required for Positions of Trust or Purchase Card usage, where applicable.
- Motor vehicle report required for roles involving driving an Augusta University vehicle.
- For faculty hires: provide original transcripts of completed degrees; foreign-trained candidates may need credential evaluation.
- Confidentiality and cybersecurity/privacy policies apply.
Other Information
- Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment.
- Equal Employment Opportunity: Augusta University is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
How To Apply
To apply, visit the Augusta University careers site:
https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/
Select University Faculty & Staff > External Applicants if you are a candidate from outside the university; Select University Faculty & Staff > Internal Applicants if you are a current university employee. If you need assistance, contact 706-721-9365.
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