Registered Dental Assistant/Dental Assistant

Hill Country Community Clinic

Job Description

Job Title:         Registered Dental Assistant or Dental Assistant

Department:    Dental

Reports To:     Dental Operations Director

Hours:              Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm 

Location:         Redding and Round Mountain

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under general supervision of a qualified dentist and clinic manager in an ambulatory care setting provides assistance on all procedures authorized by the provisions of the Dental Practice Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may be assigned which may become essential to the position. 

1. Switch on compressor/water system and x-ray units in each room.
2. Set up procedure trays for all a.m. patients.
3. Flush water lines in operatories.
4. Prepare treatment room for each patient (includes appropriate instruments, barriers, records, x-rays on view box if applicable)
   1. Greet, seat, bib, and prepare patient for treatment
   2. Review/update patient health history
   3. Verify pre-med is taken, if indicated
   4. Check informed consent for updated information/signature
   5. Take blood pressure on patients 18 and older
   6. Develop a working knowledge of each patient’s record and where information is located

1. Take x-rays as indicated by Dentist.
2. Chart entry for exams (missing teeth, restorations, etc).
3. Assist dentist chairside at all times, including passing and receiving of instruments, oral evacuation and retraction and preparation materials.  Be prepared to assist in the event of an emergency.
4. Take alginate impressions.
5. Sterilize instruments in accordance with OSHA guidelines; set up trays; put away instruments; sterilize exam rooms according to OSHA guidelines.
6. Performs weekly spore testing of sterilization equipment.
7. Call prescriptions to pharmacy as directed
8. Prepare filling of prescriptions for sliding scale patients according to protocol.
9. Assist in keeping lab clean.
10. Change cold sterilization solution according to guidelines.
11. Change ultrasonic solution according to guidelines.
12. Coordinate patients and procedures, keeping flow steady.
13. Perform coronal polish and prophylaxis of children, if directed by DDS.
14. Update supply order list; keep operatories stocked.
15. Wipe counters, equipment, containers in sterilization room daily.
16. Maintain dental equipment. 
    1. Lubricate hand pieces daily
    2. Clean and maintain autoclave as specified by the preventative maintenance schedule.
    3. Clean and maintain station including waste water as needed or as specified by the preventative maintenance schedule
17. Attend weekly staff meetings.
18. Maint