Dental Assistant

The Dental Assistant performs chair side assistance duties in all phases of restorative, prosthodontics, surgical endodontics and periodontal treatments as provided in general dentistry.  The Dental Assistant reports to and works under the primary supervision of NATIVE HEALTH’s Dentist and the general supervision of the Dental Director.RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:Receives and routes patients.Responsible for office/clinic flow by positively greeting clients, providing appropriate forms and instruction for completion of documents and by guiding clients according to clinic procedures.Records information related to medical history of patient and treatment information as relayed to dentist.Maintains dental equipment in a clean and operative condition.Sterilizes instruments, materials and equipment; prepares surgical trays.  Ensures a dirty to clean flow of instruments.Maintains general cleanliness of the office.Ensures all infection control protocols are strictly adhered to. Compiles with OSHA standards.Orders and stocks dental supplies.Properly lays out all instruments and materials required for each appointment; prepares patient and operatory.Obtains and records blood pressure and pulse of oral surgery patient as directed.Assists dentist at chairside as anticipated or required in all phases of general dentistry, utilizing techniques for fourhanded sit-down dentistry.Passes instruments and materials to and retrieves them from the dentist; keeps area of operation clear using high speed evacuator, suction tip and irrigation; retracts tissue, tongue and cheek.  In surgical procedures maintains aseptic condition. Stabilize tissue for dentist and cut sutures.Keeps alert to condition of patient during treatment for signs of fainting, shock, or other distress.Performs the following intra-oral procedures as directed by dentist: takes preliminary impressions for study models; removes sutures and places and removes rubber dams, periopacks, matrix bands and wedges.Relays dentist’s instructions to patient for post treatment care.Instructs patient in brushing and flossing techniques. Care of prosthodontics appliances, and common causes of tooth decay.Operates dental x-rays equipment to take intra and extra-oral radiographs, develops and finishes film.Applies topical fluoride solutions and/or desensitizing agents to the teeth.Ensures that all preventative maintenance is performed on equipment.  Maintains equipment preventative maintenance logs.Records information relayed by dentist on prescriptions and other forms for signature of dentist.Pours and trims models from impressions and constructs custom impression trays.Performs other work-related duties as assigned.Checks pre-medications.Records treatment information in patient charts.Provides postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist.Orders dental supplies and maintains dental equipment inventoryCoordinates and follows up on specialty referrals.