Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant works under general supervision. Sets up and takes radiographs (digital and/or manual), and logs in x-rays taken. Assists in taking patient's vital signs. Assures that all paperwork, documentation and records are ready and available at the time patients arrive for clinic visits. Is responsible for requisitioning, dispensing and maintaining supplies and equipment in the assigned clinical areas. This position reports clinic equipment malfunctions to the dental maintenance area. This position is responsible for sterilization of equipment assigned to the respective clinic. This position works with faculty, residents and students.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities)

• Dental Auxiliary Utilization (DAU).
• Assists students, residents and dentist, prepares for dental treatment by draping patient with covering; arranges dental instruments, materials and medications on chair side tray in the order they are to be used according to scheduled treatment.
• Passes instruments to the student, resident and dentist during patient treatment; mixes dental material for procedure.
• Keeps oral operating areas clear during dental procedures by use of suction devices; water sprays, cotton rolls and holders.
• Takes patients vital signs
• Sterilization of dental instruments and proper maintenance of log books
• Takes radiographs digital for review and study.
• Administers home care instructions.
• Working with assigned team to ensure the best patient experience.
• Sterilizes, disinfects all instruments and equipment using autoclaves or chemical disinfectants.
• Answers the telephone, takes messages for persons working in their clinical area.
• Assigns chairs to students in the appropriate clinical area. Maintains inventory of supplies needed for the appropriate area.

• Obtain, verifies and records patient demographic information.

• Retrieve and timely response to patient messages (telephone and automated (Televox).

• Requisitions supplies for the appropriate clinical area. Issues supplies and equipment to dental students working in the appropriate clinical area.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Professional and courteous, ability to multi-task and knowledge of dental terminology and HIPPA.
• Knowledge of names and use of dental instruments and equipment.
• Knowledge of basic methods of dental record keeping and reporting.
• Knowledge of sterilization/infection control techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of record keeping and reporting.
• Working knowledge of equipment and instruments used in Dentistry.
• Ability to maintain adequate inventories supplies.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty, residents, students and other employees.
• Ability to evaluate and assist Faculty, residents, students in chair procedures.
• Ability to understand technical and medical nomenclature.
• Ability to file alphabetically and numerically.
• Ability to relate to the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to accomplish other duties within the scope of a dispensary clerk as assigned by the supervisors

Education and Experience:

High School or equivalent and successful completion of a dental assistant program and registration with the State of Tennessee required. Prior experience working with 2D, and 3D radiology equipment preferred. A minimum of two (2) years' experience as a medical/dental receptionist, insurance processor or a similar position in a medical/dental office, hospital, insurance company, health plan or other health related facility. Experience with computerized scheduling and billing systems; bilingual preferred.

Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in a fast pace environment.
• Visual acuity to detect cleanliness.
• Regular exposure to the risk of blood borne pathogens.
• Occasionally exposed to radiation hazards.
• Exposed to hazards from sharp instruments.
• Requires full range of body motion including lifting patients.
• Visual and auditory acuity.
• Manual dexterity with both hands.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Involves possible exposure to hazardous material, infectious body fluids and airborne particles.
• Exposure to communicable diseases.