BASIC FUNCTION:

Under general supervision, provides chair side assistant to a dentist in clinics with an emphasis on a dental specialty in a postgraduate program in the College of Dentistry.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Involves no responsibility or authority for the direction of others.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the College of Dentistry. External contacts include visitors to the College of Dentistry.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Prepares and sets up for all clinical sessions according to policies and procedures. Provides assistance to students and faculty during clinical procedures.
• Takes and develops intra and extra-oral radiographs.
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments, materials, devices, and equipment. Adheres to all infection control policies and procedures.
• Receives and schedules patients for treatment in the area of responsibility.
• Obtains and records information related to the medical history of patient(s) and routes patients for treatment in the area of responsibility.
• Prepares sterile trays for all surgical procedures and other procedures as needed. Dispenses instruments, materials, and supplies.
• Maintains dental equipment in a clean and operable condition.
• Maintains adequate levels of supplies and materials in the designated supply areas and working areas. Provides information and direction to patients.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Competence in dental assistant skills, techniques, and duties.
• Ability to take and develop radiographs and be knowledgeable of dental anatomy and bony structure in the upper and lower jaw to take diagnostic dental radiographs.
• Knowledge of sterilization and infection control techniques. Knowledge of dental equipment, instruments, materials, and supplies. Ability to use a personal computer.
• Competence in both oral and written English to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students, and customers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.)
• Four years of responsible work experience as a Dental Assistant in a dental office, clinic, and/or hospital.
• Formal post-secondary accredited dental assisting training, Certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
• Must possess a current Dental Assistant registration license issued by the District of Columbia Board of Dentistry. Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) specifically in the postgraduate discipline.
• Must possess a valid CPR card at the time of appointment or must successfully pass a CPR course within 30 days of hire.
• Must have a very good working knowledge of using dental software.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.