Graduate Dental Assistant- Pediatric Dentistry

Market Range: 04

Hiring Salary: $18.54/Hourly

JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  The Graduate Dental Assistant provides chairside assistance and clinical practice support for faculty, residents, and dental students in the Pediatric Dentistry department. This position rotates between the pediatric dentistry clinics at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and the College of Dentistry.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Provides chairside assistance, such as oral evacuation, retraction, and instrument exchange, for providers; supplies providers with equipment, instruments, and materials for procedures.
2. Exposes, processes, and labels x-ray film including periapical, occlusal, and panoramic film. 
3. Monitors and maintains safety of nitrous oxide usage.
4. Ensures that working area, instruments and equipment meet OSHA sterilization regulations.
5. Performs tooth cleaning and applies fluoride to patients; makes dental impressions and pours models in dental stone.
6. Documents the patient records as the doctor dictates findings.
7. Performs preventive equipment maintenance as well as routine maintenance.
8. Maintains necessary inventory supplies and equipment. 
9. Clerical support (back up for front desk) for answering phones, making appointments, and confirmation calls.
10. Schedules patients and manages the clinic schedule to promote efficiency.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

 EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

 EXPERIENCE: This is an entry level position. Must maintain registration as a licensed dental assistant in the State of Tennessee. Nitrous Oxide Monitoring and Radiology Certification required. Must maintain CPR certification. (PROOF OF LICENSURE IS REQUIRED). (Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) with the Dental Assistant National Board Certification (DANB) is preferred. Graduate of CODA accredited school preferred.) (Fluent in Spanish and coronal and sealant certification also preferred.)

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: A Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in the State of Tennessee, with certification in radiology and nitrous oxide monitoring is required. CDA (DANB) certification preferred. (PROOF OF LICENSURE IS REQUIRED)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of all areas of dental assisting as outlined by the State of Tennessee Board of Dentistry to include set up of operatory, instrument transfer, correct sequencing of instruments and dental material according to procedure.
• Knowledge of supportive services or procedures necessary to protect the physical well-being of the patient during routine treatment procedures and during periods of emergencies.
• Ability to monitor vital signs, assists during administration of life-support activities, and any non-invasive procedures.