Dental Assistant

Tier 9

Salary Range: $16.08 - $26.13

POSITION SUMMARY:

Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Prepare patient, sterilize, disinfect, and maintain instruments and work area, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist during dental procedures;

2. Schedules appointments and follow up care;

3. Record treatment information in patient records and HHS databases;

4. Performs simple prophylaxis and fluoride treatments;

5. Operates dental X-Ray equipment and develops, labels and stores film;

6. Takes primary impressions for study models and performs routine dental lab procedures, including pouring and trimming models and constructing custom trays;

7. Provide post treatment instructions prescribed by dentist;

8. Instruct patients in oral hygiene, plaque control, and disease prevention;

9. Performs routine office duties such as confirming appointments, sending recall and birthday cards;

10. Orders department supplies and equipment;

11. Provides assistance for special activities and events such as health fairs, community outreach events and emergency preparedness;

12. Other position related duties as required and assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High School diploma or its equivalent, Certification in Dental Assisting from an accredited institution, Registered with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, and one year of directly related experience; Bi-lingual – English/Spanish; Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and be insurable; Must be able to successfully pass a post-offer drug screen and a criminal history background check; Must be culturally sensitive to minority (especially Native American) populations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of dental clinic operations; Must be culturally sensitive to minority (especially Native American) populations; ability to attain Nitrous Oxide Monitoring certification; ability to position and expose dental x-rays; Able to maintain patient confidentiality; Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services; Excellent organizational and time management skills; Excellent interpersonal skills; Proficient with database systems and data entry; Proficient with Microsoft Office applications; Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); Excellent listening skills; Ability to follow specific rules and protocols to assist dentist with patient treatment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, stand and hear; The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds; The vision requirements include: close vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus; Work involves danger of exposure to potential hazards of communicable diseases and radiation and of burns and cuts when handling instruments; Caution must be exercised at all times; Personal protection must be used as needed, this includes: masks, safety glasses, gowns and radiation bandages.

This description is a summary of principle responsibilities and is not intended to include all duties which may be assigned.