Dental Assistant

DENTAL ASSISTANT:  The Dental Assistant will understand and model the mission of NSO. The DA will understand and practice NSO’s policy on confidentiality in respect to all NSO information.  The DA will exhibit professional behavior in all facets of work at NSO.  The DA will exhibit teamwork with all NSO staff. The DA will work with the dentist and other team members to increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care by performing tasks that require both interpersonal and technical skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures

Taking digital x-rays with the use of snap-a-ray sensor holders

Review patient medical history

Take blood pressure and pulse

Work closely with the infection control officer to maintain infection control protocol

Preparing and sterilizing instruments and dental equipment

Ensure patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment

Ensure patient received written instructions for care following dental surgery or other dental treatment procedures

Apply topical drugs prescribed by a dentist

Take impressions or a digital scan of patients’ teeth for study casts

Communicating with the dentist and patient to schedule follow up appointments

Place or remove celluloid, plastic or metallic strips between teeth for subsequence placement or filling by the dentist

Place or remove rubber dam under supervision of a dentist

Provide suction/evacuation function

Assist with maintaining patient charts, clinic progress notes, and NSO clinic records

Other assigned duties

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Must effectively communicate in English orally and in writing.

Must possess a valid dental assisting permit from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry

Must have X-ray certification

Nitrous certification preferred

Coronal polishing and Fluoride application certification preferred

Sealant application certification preferred

Must possess a valid Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

Experience working with the homeless and underserved population preferred. 

Clearance of background check and drug screen. This is a Safety Sensitive Position and therefore is not subject to the protections of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Thorough knowledge of dental office and chair-side dental assisting practices, procedures and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of dental terminology and charting practices.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of dental health promotion and prevention.

Some knowledge of Federal and OSHA regulations for dental clinics.

Intermediate computer skills with knowledge of Eaglesoft software and digital x-rays preferred

Knowledge of digital scanning of teeth using iTero preferred

Requires ability to work independently as well as with a team

Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to be culturally sensitive to the needs of the medically indigent.

Ability to respond to new client needs.

Ability to work effectively in a dynamic clinic environment and to handle multiple demands and responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work requires lifting of supply boxes in the medium range (up to 30 lbs.)

Majority of time spent in this position is in a well-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation

Work very near other people and have little space between self and others

May risk exposure to radiation

May risk exposure to biohazards and communicable diseases

May be placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or unpleasant

Work is performed walking or standing much of the time

Occasional periods of high stress