Description
Position Summary:
The Dental Assistant provides chairside and clinical support to dentists in a fast-paced community health center environment. This role assists with patient care, prepares and maintains treatment areas, and ensures patient comfort and safety.
All duties are performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with the Kentucky Dental Practice Act.
Expanded duties may be assigned to individuals with EDDA/EFDA certification as permitted by state regulations.
Requirements
Dental Assistant (Core Duties)
- Work under the direct supervision of dentists regarding patient care.
- Welcome patients, taking vital signs, reviewing medical history, and preparing them for dental procedures.
- Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials for procedures.
- Sterilize instruments, set up trays with necessary tools, and ensuring proper infection control protocols are followed.
- Assist dentist chairside, maintaining a clear operating field (suction, retraction, air/water).
- Take dental radiographs (with Kentucky certification) ensuring proper positioning and technique.
- Mix dental materials (cements, composites, etc.) and assist with placement as directed.
- Providing oral hygiene instructions, demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques, and explaining post-operative care.
- Maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance benefits, and completing necessary paperwork.
- Participating in community health initiatives to promote dental awareness and access to care.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of operatories.
- Comply with HIPAA, OSHA, and infection control standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Expanded Duties (EDDA/EFDA)
- Perform coronal polishing.
- Take impressions of teeth for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Apply permanent restorations to prepared teeth.
- Apply topical fluoride and sealants on teeth.
- Clean and polish the visible surfaces of teeth after dentist or hygienist scale.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- High school diploma or GED.
- One year of dental assisting experience.
- Kentucky radiography certification (or ability to obtain within six months of hire).
- Current CPR certification or ability to obtain.
- EDDA/EFDA: Completion of EDDA training program.
- Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures.
- Ability to work well in a team environment.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency in taking dental x-rays.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.