Under the general supervision of a dentist in a clinical setting, assists the dentist in providing dental treatment and other tasks as determined by the dentist or dental director. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment, prepares the operatory for the patient visit.
• Seats the patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed.  Collects records; patient health histories, etc.
• Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze, and other required supplies.
• Prepares dental materials- cements, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Takes and prepares radiographs using digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions.
• Assists with dental charting as appropriate.
• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies.
• Manages the patient during dental procedures.
• Provides active chair side assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs. 
• Take impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and custom trays.  Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently.  Pours models with no bubbles, properly trims models, polish dental prostheses, make vac-u-form appliances.
• At the conclusion of the procedure, assists the patient, clears work site of instruments and other materials, follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient.
• Performs, monitors, and records all sterilization activities.
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments.
• Routinely cleans, disinfects, and restocks operatories.
• Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow.
• Maintain and inventory dental supplies and reorders as necessary; track and verify invoices.
• Clean and sterilize all instruments, help to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards.
• Performs miscellaneous duties within the dental program as assigned. 

• Polish the patient’s teeth to remove stains and soft deposits.
• Apply topical fluoride and varnishes.
• Apply pit and fissure sealants.
• Remove surgical sutures.
• Pre-select orthodontic bands.
• Place and remove orthodontic bands.
• Adapt and fabricate temporary crowns.
• Place topical medications.
• Remove excess cement from fabricated temporaries and orthodontic bands.

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Moderate physical activity.  Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 lbs, assisting with patients and standing/walking most of the day.
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulation and guidelines.
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSH, CDC, ADA standards.
• Maintains and expands current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs.
• Is a team player.
• Accepts and offers guidance and supervision as appropriate.
•  Attends and participates in staff meetings to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental program. 

• Certification in dental assisting is preferred
• Two year experience working in the dental clinic is preferred
• Must have high school diploma or GED
• CPR certification required.