Dental Assistant

Overview and Responsibilities

As a part of the CVTC Dental Clinic, the dental assistants assist dentists and dental students with dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; and performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.

 

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to customer service standards.
• Start-up clinic in the morning and shutdown at the end of the day, depending on scheduled hours.
• Work with CVTC dental assistant program students participating in their clinical experience.
• Work collaboratively with all staff members to coordinate scheduling for procedures and optimize communication with dentists, staff, faculty, labs, etc.
• Inform patients of office policies and procedures and efficiently obtain informed consent from patients.
• Provide front desk coverage and chart filing as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility with scheduling and operations.
• Assist multiple clinic dentists; anticipate needs of dentists during procedures to increase productivity without compromising infection control.
• Perform blood pressure checks, take and record vital signs, review medical histories, and report findings to dentist.
• Dispatch lab work appropriately and timely.
• Provide four and six handed delivery of dentistry.
• Provide health education to improve and maintain oral health of patients.
• Monitor clinic to ensure enforcement of safety measures, proper environmental conditions, etc.
• Sterilize dental instruments and equipment for each patient according to infection control guidelines.
• Review and complete weekly maintenance list as a team.
• Update exposure control manual to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Relations (DILHR); and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on Universal Standards as directed by clinic manager.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Current knowledge of dental materials, products, and procedures.
• Proficient in radiographic technique both analog and digital.
• Knowledge of and proven skills in dental equipment operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge and ability to maintain inventory, order supplies, and submit for approval of clinic manager.
• Ability to educate patients on post-operative instructions.
• Knowledge of American Dental Association (ADA) codes and the Medical Assistance system.
• Knowledge of BadgerCare billing procedures preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently in order to maintain a productive schedule.
• Ability to adopt new policies and procedures as changes occur within the clinic including use of a new electronic health record associated with "meaningful use".
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to adhere to all safety requirements including OSHA, blood borne pathogen and current infection control training.
• Ability to complete weekly sterilization testing, monitoring and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team in an educational setting.
• Ability to work effectively with CVTC dental assistant, CVTC dental hygiene, and Marquette dental students.
• Ability to model integrity through self-awareness, personal accountability, ethical behavior, quality standards, and sustainable practices.
• Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately, and evaluating alternatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and writing clearly, concisely, and professionally; practicing active listening; reading critically and adapting communication for audience.
• Ability to recognize personal biases, adapt to different cultural situations, and demonstrate a commitment to respectful interactions with persons of various ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, or educational backgrounds.
• Intermediate knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication, data collection, and decision making including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma in Dental Assistant or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
• Minimum of one year of experience as a dental assistant.  
• Experience with Patterson Eaglesoft dental software system preferred.
• Bilingual in Hmong or Spanish preferred.

 

In evaluating candidates for this position, the College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perfo