Dental Assistant, Registered

Position Summary:

This position performs para-professional dental work, receptionist functions, and dental radiography including:

Essential Functions / Duties:

• As Registered Dental Assistant:
  • Clean, package/wrap and sterilize dental instruments and equipment while following sterilization and safety guidelines.
  • Greet, seat and prepare patients for treatment.
  • Prepares instruments and supplies; assists dentist in operatory.
  • Make a variety of dental radiographs, including periapicals, bitewings, full mouth surveys and panoramic films.
  • Scan images into the dental software and place them in the correct templates.
  • Instruct patients in simple oral hygiene, nutrition counseling and if necessary, tobacco cessation.
  • Dismisses patients at the end of procedure.
  • Document procedural notes in electronic records for every visit.
  • Verify patient name, date of birth, medications and allergies of all patients at every visit.
  • Check blood pressure on patients prior to extractions, on all new adult patients and at periodic recalls.
  • Maintains lab, operatory and sterilization room as needed and time permits.
  • Obtain and/or maintain current CPR certification.
  • Obtain and/or maintain current X-ray certification.
• Sterilization:
  • Maintains autoclaves, ultrasonic, compressor and vacuum (suction).
  • Answers phones, takes messages, and relays information.
  • Stocks supplies in sterilization and each operatory, as needed.
  • Performs all duties of dental assistant, as needed.
  • Obtain and /or maintain current OSHA and Infection Control certification.
• Clerical Duties:
  • Assist front desk staff in greeting patients, if needed.
  • Fax referral letters, school screenings and other dental documentation.
  • Provide cost estimates to patients for treatment, as needed.
  • Help maintain dental waiting list, Department of Human Services (DHS) watch list and referral list.
• Other Duties as assigned

Education:

• Registered Dental Assistant: Graduate of an accredited dental assisting program approved by the Iowa Dental Board; verifiable attendance at a four-hour State Board-approved radiation seminar, with certificate to operate dental X-ray equipment.

Experience:

• Experience as a Registered Dental Assistant preferred but will provide on-the-job training for the right candidate who possesses healthcare employment background experience, strong work ethic, self-starter, teachable.
• Skills to be mastered during on-the-job training:
• Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment and procedures, including asepsis.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and oral hygiene.
• Ability to make, scan and mount digital radiographs.
• Ability to learn basic skills in scanning, typing and entering patient information electronically.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Licensure:

• Registered Dental Assistant by Iowa Dental Board (RDA or QDA); or
• Dental Assistant Trainee with attainment of Iowa RDA within 12 months (including completion of course of study in infection control, hazardous materials, and complete the Iowa Dental Board’s jurisprudence testing).