Dental Assistant

Under the supervision of a Dentist, the Dental Assistant supports the dentist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants.

• →Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• →Prepares the operatory for the patient visit.
• →Seat the patient in a chair and explain the procedures to be performed.
• →Collects and records patient health histories.
• →Drapes patient with protective linens; sets up instrument tray with required supplies.
• →Prepares dental materials, cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• →Takes radiographs using conventional or digital technology and follows radiation safety precautions.
• →Assists with dental charting.
• →Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies.
• →Manages the patient during dental procedures.
• →Provides active chairside assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry.
• →Place and contour amalgam and other restorative materials.
• →perform coronal polishing.
• →perform fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnish.
• →Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards, and a custom tray.
• →Performs laboratory procedures, including the pouring and trimming of models; polishing dental prosthetics, and making vac-u-press forms.
• →At the conclusion of the procedure, follow proper infection control protocols and prepare the operatory for the next patient.
• →Help manage the dental office’s infection control plan to meet all regulatory requirements.
• →Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains the lab facility.
• →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.
• →Helps manage patient flow.
• →Maintains the inventory of supplies and reorders as necessary.
• →Track and verify invoices.
• →Translate dental treatment, after care, and answer questions in English and Spanish from doctor to patient.
• →Performs duties within the dental program as assigned.

• Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines
• Ability to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet regulatory requirements
• Maintains and expands the current level of dental assistant skill and knowledge by periodically attending continuing education programs
• Ability to effectively communicate, translate, read, and write in Spanish is preferred.

• Experience as a dental assistant preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Experience in a community health environment serving uninsured or underinsured patients is preferred.

 EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED
• CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required
• A National DANB Radiation and Safety exam Certificate of Completion is required
• Certification in Dental Assisting is required

PHMC is an EOE and an E-Verify Employer