Dental Assistant I - Pittsfield (0197)

This position works as part of a team with the Dentist, dental hygienist and front office staff to make the dental site efficient. The position will receive and prepare patients for dental treatments and provided assistance to the Dentist in rendering dental services.

PATIENT CARE: 75%

1. Arrange equipment, pre-tray setups, dental materials, supplies and patient records
2. Aid during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating materials, retracting and evacuating oral cavity and assisting with sedations
3. Expose digital and film-based radiographs under the direction of a dentist
4. Demonstrate radiographic techniques and radiation protection
5. Answer patient inquiries on phone or in person
6. Receive and seats patients; and prepares for exam/procedure
7. Assist dental students or instructors/faculty/residents in administering first aid measures
8. Clean operatory and arranges next appointment
9. Follow OSHA guidelines
10. Perform simple laboratory procedures (pouring impressions, sterilizing instruments, fabricating impression trays)
11. Assist with ordering, stocking, inventorying and distribution of supplies
12. Record treatment information in electronic records
13. Communicate with patients as guided by student or faculty; communicates in a positive manner
14. Clean and sterilize supplies, instruments, and placing disposable barriers on equipment
15. Report malfunction of equipment to appropriate personnel
16. Perform other related duties as assigned

INDIRECT PATIENT CARE: 25%

1. Schedule appointments, maintaining accurate records, answer phones, order supply and other front desk duties.

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA’s)

1. Knowledge and techniques in dental procedures and medicine pertaining to dental assistance (e.g., knowledge of four-handed dentistry).
2. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
3. Ability to perform functions of administrative and clerical procedures managing files and records, designing forms, and managing inventory.
4. Knowledge of computers to input data, access information, and/or create materials and documents using a variety of clinical software applications.
5. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
6. Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
7. Skill in interpersonal verbal and written communication.
8. Ability to build rapport with patients.
9. Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
10. Ability to remain continuously on task for several hours while sitting, standing, or moving.
11. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when speaking with patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
12. Ability to help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures; communicates appropriately and positively to guide and re-assure patients.

Condition of Employment:

Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.