JOB TITLE: DENTAL ASSISTANT

JOB CODE: 33910

DEFINITION: This is non-professional work providing assistance to a dentist.

An employee in this job provides chairside assistance to a dentist during dental procedures using four-handed dental assisting techniques. Work involves preparing patients and clinical areas for procedures; applying appropriate sterilization techniques; utilizing and maintaining dental equipment, instruments, and supplies; instructing patients in appropriate dental care; and collecting and maintaining patient data and records. Work also involves exposing, processing, labeling, and evaluating radiographic images. Employees may also take impressions of teeth for study models. Employees perform routine tasks independently and work concurrently under the direction of a licensed dentist during dental procedures. Work is evaluated by a licensed dentist through direct observation for adherence to policies, procedures, and standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Files, retrieves, and maintains dental records and reports.

• Schedules appointments and maintains appointment call list and recall list.

• Collects and records patient information.

• Prepares documentation, invoices, and packages for outside referrals, laboratory work, and/or prescriptions.

• Sets up procedural trays and tools for procedures.

• Mixes amalgam and cement for fillings.

• Prepares topical and injection anesthetics.

• Positions patients in chair appropriately, places protective napkin, and provides antibacterial rinse.

• Takes, records, and monitors vital signs for operative procedures.

• Charts findings of the mouth as identified by a dentist.

• Transfers instruments and materials to the dentist during procedures, and utilizes tools to maintain appropriate retraction, suction, irrigation, and drying.

• Places and removes cotton balls, gauze, and similar dressings during procedures.

• Operates radiological equipment to expose and process radiographic images; and evaluates and labels images appropriately.

• Sterilizes and maintains inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies.

• Prepares requests for the replenishment of inventory.

• Provides patients with preventative education, pre-operative instruction, and post-operative care instruction as necessary.

• Takes impressions of teeth for study casts; and pours, trims, and polishes study casts.

• Maintains the dental clinic and office(s) in a neat and sanitary manner.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of assistive dental procedures and techniques.

• Knowledge of dental radiographic equipment and techniques.

• Knowledge of radiation safety for patients and operators.

• Knowledge of infection control techniques.

• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.

• Ability to use and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience in a dental office or clinic;

or

• Successful completion of an accredited Dental Assisting certificate program;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Successful completion of the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam as required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry.