DENTAL ASSISTANT

About the Department

Position Duties

• (Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all of the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.) Knowledge of : Principals and working properties of various dental restorative materials. Proper use of equipment, instruments, and supplies used in performance of comprehensive dental treatment. Proper maintenance of dental equipment including hand pieces, vacuum, compressor, automatic processor, dental unit, and autoclave. CDC, OSHA, and State Dental Board rules and requirements concerning infection control rules and regulations. Safe handling of contaminated instruments and waste. Potential for exposure to HIV, HBV, TD, STDs, etc. Basic life support in the management of dental emergencies. Skills and techniques used in assistance with provision of four-handed dentistry. Skill to: Operate a computer utilizing the appropriate software related to assigned area of responsibility. Input appropriate data into computer system. Operate equipment and instruments used in performance of assigned dental procedures. Expose, process, and mount dental radiographs. Pour and trim study models. Place dental restorative materials – metallic & non-metallic. Place sealants. Communicate in lay terms to dental patients. Ability to : Perform dental charting (dental and periodontal). Perform assigned four-handed dentistry tasks. Maintain instruments and equipment used in examination and treatment of dental patients. Provide oral hygiene instructions. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Interpret and clearly explain procedures, situations, and policies to the public as well as to other employees. Write legibly, clearly, and concisely using proper English. Reduce a complaint or problem to writing for recording purposes. Listen effectively. Prioritize calls and requests. Perform mathematical calculations. Organize work and follow directions, both oral and written. Show sensitivity toward the needs of patients. Manage patients with anxiety, mental illnesses, or mental retardation. Handle difficult customers or situations in a calm and professional manner. Work in a fast paced environment. Work and make decisions with little supervision.