Dental Assistant II- Dental & Oral Health-Biltmore Campus

JOB SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision of a dentist, prepares both the patient and the dentist for oral procedures.  Will work alongside the dentist during patient examinations, sterilize equipment, take and develop x-rays, conduct routine teeth cleanings, perform lab duties, maintain patient records, and educate patients in proper oral health. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct control and supervision of a dentist, 

• Take impressions for study models and opposing casts which will not be used for construction of dental appliances, but which may be used for the fabrication of adjustable orthodontic appliances; 
• Pour up study models; 
• Apply sealants to teeth that do not require mechanical alteration prior to the application of such sealants, provided a dentist has examined the patient and prescribed the procedure; 
• Insert matrix bands and wedges; 
• Place cavity bases and liners; 
• Place and/or remove rubber dams; 
• Cement temporary restorations using temporary cement; 
• Apply acid etch materials/rinses; 
• Apply bonding agents; 
• Remove periodontal dressings; 
• Remove sutures; 
• Place gingival retraction cord; 
• Remove excess cement; 
• Flush, dry and temporarily close root canals; 
• Place and remove temporary restorations; 
• Place and tie in or untie and remove orthodontic arch wires; 
• Insert interdental spacers; 
• Fit (size) orthodontic bands or brackets; 
• Apply dentin desensitizing solutions; 
• Perform extra-oral adjustments which affect function, fit or occlusion of any temporary restoration or appliance; 
• Initially form and size orthodontic arch wires and place arch wires after final adjustment and approval by the dentist; 
• Apply topical anesthetics/Dentipatcha; 
• Apply topical fluoride; 
• Expose radiographs (after appropriate training requirement met); 
• Write laboratory work orders (exact words dictated by dentist); 
• Put away incoming lab cases; 
• Monitor patients under nitrous oxide (after completing 7-hour Board-approved course, unless included in ADA-accredited program); 
• Oral hygiene instruction; 
• Polish coronal portion of tooth (after completing 7-hour Board-approved course); 
• Place amalgam in prep with carrier; 
• Take pulse, blood pressure, and temperature; review health history and update as necessary; 
• Insert spacer wires or springs; 
• Polish the clinical crown using only; 
• a hand-held brush and appropriate polishing agents; or 
• a combination of a slow speed handpiece (not to exceed 10,000 rpm) with 
• attached rubber cup or bristle brush, and appropriate polishing agents. 
• Before a Dental Assistant II can utilize a slow speed handpiece with rubber  
• cup or bristle brush attachment, a formal educational course in coronal  
• polishing consisting of at least 7 hours shall be completed. A polishing  
• procedure shall in no way be represented to the patient as a prophylaxis and no specific charge shall be made for such unless the dentist has performed an evaluation for calculus, deposits, or accretions and a dentist or dental hygienist has removed any substances detected; 
• Dental/Oral Surgery Assisting as needed;
  • chairside OR dentistry; extractions, dental implants, cleanings, X-Rays, sterile procedures, suction, lights, dental equipment, and anesthesia 

This role description is a general description of the essential job functions.  It is not intended to describe all the duties the Dental Assistant II may perform.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Communication Skills

Effectively and respectably communicate with other individuals, whether it be a colleague, patient, or patient’s family member and appropriately enumerate information in a manner easily understood by all parties. We do this to foster a culture of understanding between all parties, especially in complex and difficult situations, to ultimately provide the best care possible to our patients and their families.

• Decision Making

Ability to make the most appropriate decision in a given situation and then taking the next steps to ensure appropriate and timely completion. This requires conflict resolution skills, critical thinking skills, confidence in your ability to make the right decision in most situations. This also includes ability to prioritize your workday appropriately to ensure the most important tasks are completed on time.

• HealthCare Knowledge

Having the drive to keep yourself abreast and up to date on the new breakthroughs in your area of expertise and communica