Dental Assistant

Job Description Summary

Under the direct supervision of the clinic manager/supervisor and direction of the practice's dental providers, this position provides clinical assistance and support to dental providers in all aspects of patient care within the dental clinic.

Job Description

• Performs chairside assisting with four handed dentistry techniques for dental providers as they treat patients. These procedures may range from general dentistry to advanced specialty care requiring general anesthesia management. Responsible for updating patient information in and utilizing the Electronic Health Record as needed for patient care.
• Responsible for setting up operatory for dental and surgical procedures. Must maintain a high level of knowledge of all clinical procedures and instrumentation to ensure rooms are set up accurately. Break down and clean operatory after procedures are complete. Maintain and sterilize all dental instruments and equipment. Follow all infection control policies and protocols set forth by MUSC, MUSC Health and the clinic manager. Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with OSHA's procedures, rules and regulations.
• Acquire or assist in acquiring all necessary radiographs (i.e. periapical, panoramic, cephalometric, and 3-D imagery, intra oral scans, etc.) while adhering to all x-ray safety standards. These images are captured according to treatment plans or at the direction of dental providers.
• Assist with all areas of patient care including transport/assistance to and from the waiting area as well as monitoring surgical patients to ensure their safety after receiving anesthesia. Maintain patient confidence and privacy by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains dental supplies and inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, placing and expediting orders for supplies and verifying receipt of supplies. Ensures instruments and supplies are maintained and stocked in dental operatories and other areas of the clinic. Provides administrative support in the clinic to include maintaining MSDS notebook, reporting equipment problems and filling out exposure and incident forms.
• Contribute to the team effort by assisting in other clinics and by accomplishing related duties as needed as well as any other duties as directed by the clinic manager/supervisor.

Additional Job Description

A high school diploma, completion of an ADA accredited dental assisting course and 3 years of dental assisting experience OR a high school diploma and 5 years dental assisting experience. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required. Must have successfully completed the SC LLR and Board of Dentistry approved Radiation Safety certification structured course and exam. Completion of a South Carolina Radiation Safety course and exam Board approved radiation safely course also required.