Dental Assistant

TITLE: Dental Assistant DEPARTMENT: Health

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assisting the dentist and/or hygienist during a variety of treatment procedures including setting up instrument trays.
• Taking and recording digital dental radiographs (x-rays).
• Assist in setting up office in the morning and closing down in the evening.
• Collect and record treatment information in patient record.
• Assist in development of infection control protocol.
• Preparing, maintain, and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling).
• Teaching patients’ appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling).
• Taking impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth).
• Pour, trim, and polish study casts (models of teeth).
• Work in team environment.
• Performing office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer.
• Monitor and manage inventory of dental instruments, equipment, materials, and related supplies.
• Sends x-rays, records and insurance information to outside providers via electronic media.
• Assist with referrals to outside providers.
• Assist dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be Registered Dental Assistant in state of Iowa.
• Prefer active radiology qualification issued by the Iowa Dental Board (IDB) or be able to operate under supervision of dentist.
• Must possess CPR certification.
• Prefer one-year experience in dental office.
• Must have experience with electronic dental records.
• Prefer experience working with Native Americans.
• Have good manual dexterity.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must adhere to confidentiality guidelines and policies.

SUPERVISION: Supervised by Dentist

SALARY RANGE: $38,500.80 – $49,462.40