Dental Assistant III - Community Dentistry

The Dental Assistant III supports dentists and hygienists in teaching and patient care in both community-based settings as well as the dental clinic. The primary patient populations being served are developmentally disabled, physically disabled, sensory impaired, pediatric, and other vulnerable populations requiring advanced care.  Assists dentists and hygienists in teaching best practices of patient care- especially for vulnerable populations in community and clinic settings.  Prepares work areas, equipment, instruments, and supplies needed for patient care. Is responsible for maintaining equipment and instruments as well as their proper disinfection, transportation practices, sterilization, and storage. Helps to assure authorization and consent to treat is appropriate and updated medical histories are provided. Helps to assure record keeping is timely, complete, and appropriate follow-up care is arranged. Collects program and/or billing data as needed for reporting purposes.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• Graduated from an accredited Dental Assistant School, with Radiology certificate;
• 10 years' experience;
• Knowledge of Dental procedures and terminology;
• Ability to operate various forms of dental equipment;
• Ability to maintain Sterile technique and an understanding and practice of HIPAA requirements;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience in the social services field and is anticipated to serve as a liaison between the School of Dentistry and the community rotation sites preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Demonstrate professionalism;
• Strong customer service skills including the ability to assess inquiries and provide appropriate information using judgment and available resources, and proven ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize work with multiple and conflicting demands in a deadline-oriented environment;
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team;
• Demonstrate commitment to working with diverse populations
• Maintain regular attendance
• Ability to work collaboratively with a healthcare team at multiple locations. Must have reliable means for transportation to commute to multiple sites.
• Assist dental students and faculty working with vulnerable populations to include taking radiographs, suctioning, passing instruments and material. 
• Lift, push, pull up to 25lbs of mobile dental equipment and transport of patients with assistive devices.
• Capacity to work independently, efficiently and maintain organization. 
• Proficiency in electronic health records for documentation of patient records, excel database and must be comfortable using telehealth as a service delivery method.