Expanded Duties Dental Assistant

Expanded Duties Dental Assistant

Position Summary

The Expanded Duties Dental Assistant will support the dentist in providing high quality oral health care and education to a broad range of patients both in the center and in the schools.

This position also offers assistance where needed to ensure smooth, efficient running of the dental program and participates in ongoing evaluation of operations to assure delivery of outstanding patient care as well as financial sustainability of the clinic.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; clean and properly sterilize instruments and record all sterilization activities;

help manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards

• Prepares the operatory for patient visits, including cleaning, disinfecting and restocking the room
• Scans reception area for patients and help manage the patient flow
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; collects and records patient health history
• Prepares dental materials cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Provides active chair side assistance; transfers instrument as appropriate for four-handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility
• Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently
• Exposes radiographs using digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions
• Applies topical fluoride and varnishes, as well as pit and fissure sealants
• Polishes coronal surfaces of patient’s teeth (without high-speed instruments) to remove stains and soft deposits and polishes amalgams or composite surfaces, when certified
• Fabricates, preliminarily fits and removes temporary crowns for final cementation; places temporary restorative materials and removes excess cement from fabricated restorations
• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards and custom trays
• Supports and assists with special community oriented dental care programs
• Attends required meetings, in-services and daily huddles
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Strong alignment with SCHC Mission and demonstrates behaviors aligned with SCHC Statement of Faith and Core values
• Other duties as necessary to ensure successful attainment of SCHC goals and objectives

Job Qualifications and Requirements

• High School degree / GED required
• Completion of an accredited course in expanded duties dental assisting
• CPR / BLS certification required
• Minimum of two years’ work experience in a dental office setting
• Knowledge of and ability to operate all types of dental equipment and machinery
• Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry, knowledge of general materials, their storage, handling and application is required
• Skill in operation of computer and other office equipment
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks to completion
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to respect and appreciate diversity and cultural competence
• Ability to react calmly in emergency situations
• Ability to read, understand, and respond to detailed oral and written instructions
• Post Acceptance Requirements for Credentialing (some completed after start date) : Copy of EDDA license / certificate, copy of diploma, official transcript of highest degree, driver’s license photocopy, immunization record, immunization consent / declination form, PPD status / TB test results from the last 12 months, BLS certificate, health form, competency form checklist, and fitness for duty form.

Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center (SCHC) is a 501(c)3 Federally Qualified Health Center located in the Shawnee Neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky.

SCHC seeks to transform the community by sharing the love of Christ in word and deed, to facilitate community development and holistic healthcare through the empowerment of the residents in the community.