Dental Assistant I or II

Under the direct supervision by a licensed dentist as permitted by the Maryland COMAR regulations, performs general chair side and clinical functions related to patient dental care, in office, and Mobile Unit (HSIM). Shares responsibility with the dental team for individual patients. Operates x-ray equipment and prepares operatories. Prepares patients for dental treatment and explains procedures. Maintains and demonstrates competence in clinical practice. Supports and follows through with vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the Family Healthcare of Hagerstown.

Performs Assessment and Treatment Activities: Assists with assessing patients and treatment needs. Exhibits the skill and judgment required to follow through on the dentist's orders and procedures necessary for the holistic care of the patient.

• Utilizes the appropriate techniques to assist the dentist with dental procedures. Anticipates the needs of the dentist and the dental team.
• Records all pertinent data in patient's electronic dental record. Assures parental consent is received prior to treatment.
• Performs intra-oral rinsing and aspiration procedures, during dental treatment.
• Retracts oral tissues, including lips, tongue, and flaps, during dental treatment.
• Mixes alginate and pours impression for diagnostic casts accurately.
• Prepares and tracks lab cases and verifies insert date within the scheduling system.
• Demonstrates the ability to calm and reassure patients. Utilizes appropriate behavior modification techniques with confidence including the papoose board, with noncompliant patients. Displays and maintains a professional attitude.
• Wears personal protective equipment per FHH policy.
• Protects patients' safety during dental procedures. Does not leave children in operatories unattended.
• Demonstrates proper body mechanics and exercises safety measures while carrying out detail work activities.
• Appropriately responds to emergency and/or crisis situations. Follows through with appropriate action, identifies appropriate person to handle incident in accordance with FHH policies and procedures.
• When a safety issue arises, immediately notifies supervisor and initiates a written report.
• Work is accurate, thorough, and attention to detail is evident.
• Accurately makes and seats temporary crowns and bridges.
• Places topical anesthetic in location appropriate to treatment plan.
• Takes accurate bite registrations.

Operatory Equipment and Sterilization: Effectively oversees the preparation and ordering of instruments, equipment and supplies.

• Maintains aseptic technique by removing blood and debris from operatories, maintaining chain of sterility and asepsis and disinfecting equipment between patients per ADA, OSHA, MOSH standards.
• Date-stamps and initials instrument packets and cassettes prior to placing in autoclave.
• Takes responsibility for instruments used in operatory. Prepares instrument cassettes for sterilizer per ADA, OSHA, MOSH standards. Is aware of and follows appropriate sterilization parameters and procedures.
• Works as a team member assisting with instruments utilized by other staff, without prompting.
• Demonstrates care in handling and assembly of equipment.
• Lubricates hand pieces on air station.
• Checks the sterility indicators.

Dental Radiography: Demonstrates proficient skills and knowledge in taking, scanning, and mounting dental radiographs according to the Maryland State Dental Board.

• Takes radiographs of patient's mouth following Radiation safety guidelines as established by American Dental Association.
• Maintains digital x-ray sensors according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Takes and updates radiographs and Panorex as needed and as dictated by office policy.
• Always places an apron on patients when taking x-rays. Inquires if female patient of childbearing age is pregnant.

Utilizes Time and Supplies Efficiently: Effectively utilizes time and supplies to the benefit of the dental practice.

• Assists with maintaining inventory of dental supplies by keeping list up to date.
• Is able to manage resources in a manner that is conducive to the overall goal of the practice as relates to cost management.
• Utilizes down time by checking and stocking supplies in operatories. Makes good use of time for the benefit of the practice and patients.
• Demonstrates ability to set priorities.
• Regularly helps Patient Care Assistant and Front Desk Receptionist with patient scheduling and scanning, as time permits.
• Compiles and turns in assigned reports and safety logs to Dental Supervisor in a timely manner.
• Completes Daily Maintenance Log accurately.

Employee/Employer Relations: Maintains respect for employees, parents, and volunteers, and their individual commitment and contributions in support of FHH’s mission to provide consistent quality services.

• Exhibits emotional maturity through the resolution of conflicts by following established communication standards, expresses thoughts and concerns to the appropriate person at the appropriate place and time.
• Exhibits positive attitudes during times of change and disruption. Assists and supports Providers and co-workers. Works cooperatively in group situations. Readily accepts direction from supervisors and team leader. Without prompting, works cooperatively with dental team and others. Fosters a non-discriminatory environment.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and departmental information.
• Role-models clean and neat work area. Cleans up after self and others.
• Performs job duties in accordance with FHH policies to include Infection control, standard precautions, and right to know. Including all other assigned duties.
• No occurrences of using equipment, supplies, instruments for unintended purposes. To include no injuries or potential of injury to self, co-workers, or patients from not using equipment properly.
• When a safety issue arises, immediately notifies supervisor and initiates a written report.

Generous benefits, including accrued paid time off, 7 paid holidays, 1 Anniversary Award (after first year). Eligible for health care, vision and dental benefits (employee, parent and child, employee and spouse, or family options). Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance. Company paid Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) plan with company match and additional voluntary benefits including cancer, hospital, accident coverage, and more.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from high school. Successfully complete Dental Assistant Program with national accreditation. Maintains certifications to ensure privileges at Meritus Medical Center to assist in dental OR cases.

Maintains DANB by continuing education and community resources.

Experience:

Minimum of 1 - 2 years of experience as dental assistant with pediatric experience preferred. Must have proficient computer skills.

Licensure:

CPR certified.

Certified through Dental Assistants National Board and Certified by State of Maryland to take x-rays.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT:

Physical:

Sits and stands eight hours a day for prolong intervals. Light lifting 0 - 20 pounds. Reaching below and above shoulder level. Seeing within normal limits with or without eyeglasses. Hearing within normal limits with or without hearing aid. Excellent manual dexterity with instruments and small dental items. Able to extend arms for prolonged intervals. Excellent bilateral integration. Excellent hand-eye coordination.

Mental:

Long periods of concentration with attention to details and procedures. Frequent contact with children who may exhibit acting out behaviors. Frequent contact with technical equipment, instruments and supplies. Frequent judgment decisions regarding dental procedures. Contact with computer technology. Works closely with other members of the dental team. Has access to confidential information. Sensory requirements include the ability to articulate and comprehend the spoken English language, in addition to being able to read and write the English language.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

General Characteristics:

Work performed in modern well-equipped dental clinic. Interpersonal relationships with all levels of FHH and community. Frequently works with and around others. Frequent use of high-tech equipment, instruments, and supplies. Radiation and Nitrous Oxide. Chemical Hazards: Occasionally: Ammonia Inhalants, Peroxide, D-Limonene, Prophy Paste, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid. Everyday: Carbocaine, Hemodent, Formo Cresol, Zinc Oxide, Eugenol, Acetic Acid, Nitrous Oxide, Alcohol, Latex, Developer, Fixer, Calcium Hydroxide, Phosphoric Acid, Fluoride, Ammonium Chloride, Aerosols, Sodium Hypochlorite, Ionizing Radiation,

Bloodborne Pathogens.

Physical Hazards:

Loud noise from equipment and patients, potential for needle sticks; biting and kicking from patients and video display terminal use. Radiation and Nitrous Oxide.

Mechanical Hazards:

None.