Dental Assistant Apprentice (OJT)

Under the general and direct supervision of the dentist, assists during the examination and treatment of patients.

Essential Duties & Major Responsibilities:

·         Prepare patient and operatory for dental treatment.
·         Review and enter patient medical history into electronic dental record.
·         Take blood pressure, pulse and temperature as required.
·         Remain with assigned provider for duration of procedures.
·         Remain with patient in operatory.
·         Maintain dental instruments, materials, and medications in the quantities to be used for general scheduled treatment.
·         Maintain organization of instruments/supplies/treatment rooms.
·         Follow infection control protocols and procedures.
·         Take radiographs (FMX, BW, PAs – Anterior and Posterior).
·         Keep oral operating field clean during dental procedures utilizing both Slowpeed, Highspeed suctions and Air/Water Syringe.
·         Prepare restorative materials (amalgam, composite, Fuji, sealants)
·         Prepare and sterilize instruments following procedures.
·         Operate sterilization equipment safely including autoclave, ultrasonic cleaner and handpiece maintenance system.
·         Disinfect operatory following policies and procedures.
·         Set up operatory for Exams, Hygiene, Restorative (composite, amalgam, Fuji), Consult visits.
·         Assist during Exam appointments (COE, POE, LOE, EOE) including charting of existing, treatment planning and periodontal charting in electronic dental record –            NO EXPOSURE OF RADIOGRAPHS UNTIL SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A DENTAL RADIOLOGY COURSE AND CERTIFICATE EARNED.
·         Seek additional tasks to perform during downtime.
·         Assist provider with entering billing codes and wait/will call appointments before dismissing a patient.
·         Assist provider with end of day tasks including printing and checking of the day sheet.
·         Work as part of a team and help other assistants and dentists as needed.
·         Work in other sites including Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner and ACTION as needed
·         Communicate effectively with other staff and patients in a respectful manner.
·         Demonstrate understanding and commitment to the health center mission
·         Demonstrate understanding and commitment to the established CHC Values and Standards
·         Demonstrate understanding and follow guidelines set forth in the CHC Employee Handbook.
·         Demonstrate understanding and follow guidelines set forth in the Dental Department Policies and Procedures
·         Provide other job-related duties as assigned.

 Minimum Qualifications:

·         High school diploma required.
·         MA Dental Assisting License (OJT)
·         CPR Certified
·         Proficient reading, writing, and speaking in English.
·         Demonstrated interpersonal relationship skills
·         Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, physically demanding office environment

 Competencies: individual departments will develop competencies which will be communicated and maintained through CHC’s performance evaluation system.

 * Not eligible for level up until MWCC Radiology Course (or equivalent) is passed and licensure is achieved.

Supervision Exercised: Direct supervision by DA Trainer or other Level 3 DA
 

Environmental Working Conditions: The environment is a normal office environment of a busy Community Health Center. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to saliva and blood-borne pathogens. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and the risk of radiation.

 Physical and Mental Requirements: The physical and mental demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job with or without reasonable accommodation. Normal visual acuity and standard clerical dexterity to operate computers, printers, photocopiers, and fax machines; moderate walking, standing, reaching, and stooping in order to accomplish everyday tasks required. Minor lifting is required.