Meharry
Dental Assistant
The Dental Assistant works under general supervision. Sets up and takes radiographs (digital and/or manual), and logs in x-rays taken. Assists in taking the patient's vital signs. Assures that all paperwork, documentation, and records are ready and available at the time patients arrive for clinic visits. Is responsible for requisitioning, dispensing, and maintaining supplies and equipment in the assigned clinical areas. This position reports clinic equipment malfunctions to the dental maintenance area. This position is responsible for sterilization of equipment assigned to the respective clinics. This position works with faculty, residents, and students.
Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) Assists dental faculty, residents, and students.
Prepares for dental treatment by draping the patient with covering.
Arranges dental instruments, materials, and medications on the chair side tray in the order they are to be used, according to the scheduled treatment.
Keeps oral areas clear during dental procedures by using suction devices, cotton rolls, holders, etc.
Passes instruments to the dentist and assists during oral surgery.
Mixes dental material for the procedure being done.
Sterilizes instruments using autoclaves or chemical disinfectants.
Produces 3D digital radiographs for the performance of implant surgeries.
Produces digital radiographs for all student clinics.
Takes digital radiographs and mounts prints for review and study.
Changes developing solutions in developers as needed, and logs in the number of exposures daily.
Takes patients' vital signs, pours, trims, and polishes casts and removable appliances.
Conducts plaque control programs and provides home care instructions.
Assists students in x-ray techniques and terminology; provides training in four-hand techniques.
Performs clerical duties, receives patients, arranges appointments, and records treatment.
Keeps inventory of materials in stock and what's used.
Assists with procedures performed by students; answers the telephone and takes messages.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Dispenses instruments and supplies to faculty, students, and residents.
Obtains, verifies, and records patient demographic information.
Retrieves and timely responds to patient messages (telephone and automated (Televox)).
Requisitions supplies for the appropriate clinical area. Issues supplies and equipment to dental students working in the appropriate clinical area.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Professional and courteous, ability to multi-task and knowledge of dental terminology and HIPPA.
Knowledge of names and use of dental instruments and equipment.
Knowledge of basic methods of dental record keeping and reporting.
Knowledge of sterilization/infection control techniques and procedures.
Working knowledge of equipment and instruments used in Dentistry.
Ability to maintain adequate inventory supplies.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty, residents, students, and other employees.
Ability to evaluate and assist Faculty, residents, students in chair procedures.
Ability to understand technical and medical nomenclature.
Ability to file alphabetically and numerically.
Ability to relate to the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
Ability to accomplish other duties within the scope of a dispensary clerk as assigned by the supervisors.
Education and Experience High School or equivalent and successful completion of a dental assistant program and registration with the State of Tennessee required. Prior experience working with 2D and 3D radiology equipment preferred. A minimum of two (2) years' experience as a medical/dental receptionist, insurance processor, or a similar position in a medical/dental office, hospital, insurance company, health plan, or other health-related facility. Experience with computerized scheduling and billing systems; bilingual preferred.
Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Visual acuity to detect cleanliness.
Regular exposure to the risk of bloodborne pathogens.
Occasionally exposed to radiation hazards.
Exposed to hazards from sharp instruments.
Requires full range of body motion including lifting patients.
Visual and auditory acuity.
Manual dexterity with both hands.
Occasionally lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs.
Involves possible exposure to hazardous material, infectious body fluids, and airborne particles.
Exposure to communicable diseases.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) Assists dental faculty, residents, and students.
Prepares for dental treatment by draping the patient with covering.
Arranges dental instruments, materials, and medications on the chair side tray in the order they are to be used, according to the scheduled treatment.
Keeps oral areas clear during dental procedures by using suction devices, cotton rolls, holders, etc.
Passes instruments to the dentist and assists during oral surgery.
Mixes dental material for the procedure being done.
Sterilizes instruments using autoclaves or chemical disinfectants.
Produces 3D digital radiographs for the performance of implant surgeries.
Produces digital radiographs for all student clinics.
Takes digital radiographs and mounts prints for review and study.
Changes developing solutions in developers as needed, and logs in the number of exposures daily.
Takes patients' vital signs, pours, trims, and polishes casts and removable appliances.
Conducts plaque control programs and provides home care instructions.
Assists students in x-ray techniques and terminology; provides training in four-hand techniques.
Performs clerical duties, receives patients, arranges appointments, and records treatment.
Keeps inventory of materials in stock and what's used.
Assists with procedures performed by students; answers the telephone and takes messages.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Dispenses instruments and supplies to faculty, students, and residents.
Obtains, verifies, and records patient demographic information.
Retrieves and timely responds to patient messages (telephone and automated (Televox)).
Requisitions supplies for the appropriate clinical area. Issues supplies and equipment to dental students working in the appropriate clinical area.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Professional and courteous, ability to multi-task and knowledge of dental terminology and HIPPA.
Knowledge of names and use of dental instruments and equipment.
Knowledge of basic methods of dental record keeping and reporting.
Knowledge of sterilization/infection control techniques and procedures.
Working knowledge of equipment and instruments used in Dentistry.
Ability to maintain adequate inventory supplies.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty, residents, students, and other employees.
Ability to evaluate and assist Faculty, residents, students in chair procedures.
Ability to understand technical and medical nomenclature.
Ability to file alphabetically and numerically.
Ability to relate to the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
Ability to accomplish other duties within the scope of a dispensary clerk as assigned by the supervisors.
Education and Experience High School or equivalent and successful completion of a dental assistant program and registration with the State of Tennessee required. Prior experience working with 2D and 3D radiology equipment preferred. A minimum of two (2) years' experience as a medical/dental receptionist, insurance processor, or a similar position in a medical/dental office, hospital, insurance company, health plan, or other health-related facility. Experience with computerized scheduling and billing systems; bilingual preferred.
Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Visual acuity to detect cleanliness.
Regular exposure to the risk of bloodborne pathogens.
Occasionally exposed to radiation hazards.
Exposed to hazards from sharp instruments.
Requires full range of body motion including lifting patients.
Visual and auditory acuity.
Manual dexterity with both hands.
Occasionally lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs.
Involves possible exposure to hazardous material, infectious body fluids, and airborne particles.
Exposure to communicable diseases.
#J-18808-Ljbffr