DENTAL ASSISTANT I

00901

This is non-professional work in assisting a staff dentist in the performance of general dentistry.

Work involves assisting a dentist engaged in performing general dentistry practices such as diagnostic, operative, preventive, and other dental procedures during examination and treatment of patients. Work is performed under the supervision of a staff dentist, but routine duties are conducted without detailed instructions.

Assists and prepares patients for examinations or treatments by greeting them in the waiting room, seating them in operatory, putting bib on them, and adjusting treatment/exam chair.

Insures that the proper dental record is in place for dentist preparation and review.

Assists dentist with air, water and instruments at the treatment/exam chair.

Assists dentist engaged in diagnostic, operative, surgical, periodontal, preventive, orthodontic, removable and fixed prosthodontic, endodontic, and related procedures during examination and treatment of patients.

Clears instruments and materials from treatment/exam station after procedures have been performed and prepares them for proper sterilization.

Wipes down the operatory counters, treatment/exam chair, air water systems and hand pieces with disinfectant solutions by prescribed regulations.

Sets up operatory with proper barrier protectors and instruments for the next patient.

Packages and sterilizes instruments by the prescribed regulations in the autoclave or dryclave.

Prepares radiograph room for film taking and prepares patients for x-rays.

Maintains inventory control and performs light housekeeping duties in office maintenance.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of general dentistry as applied to assisting a dentist in the treatment and care of patients.

Knowledge of the types of instruments and materials used in the practice of general dentistry.

Ability to follow oral and written directions of a professional person in exact detail.

Ability to deal with patients with empathy and respect.

Skill in application of required non-professional general dentistry assisting techniques.

Graduation from a standard high school and completion of approved training course in dental assisting; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.