Dental Assistant I and II

Position Summary:

Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room, patient, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.

Essential Functions:

Tier 1 - PB 5 Complete procedures as listed in compliance with the Michigan Dental Practice act. Prepare treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols. Prepare patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient. Provide information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests. Provide instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments. Provide needed materials and supplies as directed by the supervising dentist. Provide diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies, pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts. Help dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining C.P.R. certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory. Educate patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions. Document dental care services by charting in patient records as directed by supervising dentist. Maintain patient confidence by keeping information confidential. Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols. Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques. Maintain dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies. Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed. Tier 2 - PB 6 Demonstrate proven and safe protocols for nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation, including the calculation of nitrous oxide gas used; pharmacology, biochemistry, and anatomy of nitrous oxide administration, emergency procedures, and the mechanics of operating a nitrous unit. Demonstrate patient monitoring and proper use of special equipment. Understand airway management, including signs of an impending emergency. Demonstrate strategies for detecting Nitrous in the office environment. Understand indication and contraindication for individual patient sedation. And/Or Application of medicaments for the control or prevention of dental caries. Polish the coronal surface of teeth.

Non-Essential Functions:

Fill in at the front desk, when necessary. Perform other related functions as assigned.

Equipment:

Standard office equipment Systems used:

MS Office Applications, Internet, and Electronic Dental Record Position Requirements:

Tier 1 - Tier 5 High School Diploma or GED required. Previous dental experience or training required. Dental Assistant with x-ray certification preferred or achieve x-ray certification within 6 months of employment. Minimum of one (1) year experience preferred. Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, and the ability to speak effectively and respond to questions. Additional Tier 2 requirements - Completion of Nitrous Certification and/or Coronal Polishing and Fluoride Application Course. Indian Preference Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements:

Work is generally sedentary in nature and will frequently require sitting, however standing and walking will occasionally be necessary. Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment. Frequently required to talk and hear.

Work environment:

Work in well-lit, heated, air-conditioned buildings. May be exposed to blood, body tissue and fluids as well as hazardous substances/ chemicals. Exposure to noise of agitated patients, significant work pace/pressure. Occasional local travel may be required.

Competencies:

Client Focus Continuous Learning Occupational Health and Safety Exemplifying Integrity Planning and Organizing