Dental Assistant at Southwest Community Health Center Inc – Bridgeport, Connecticut

SUMMARY: The dental assistant is responsible for assisting the Dentist in the clinical care of a patient and for maintaining the dental equipment as outlined by the Dental Standards of Clinical Practice.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: All duties are subject to accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Always assists the Dentist chair side, including passing and receiving of instruments, oral evacuation and retraction and preparation of materials.
• Takes x-rays under direction of Dentist.
• Provides coverage for support staff as needed.
• Organizes treatment room for each patient, including instruments, records, radiographs, and lab work.
• Conducts blood pressure and health history information as needed.
• Disinfects treatment room and operates equipment in accordance with OSHA, ADA, and CDC infection control guidelines.
• Audits supplies monthly and documents as needed.
• Maintains and monitors laboratory procedures and cases.
• Disinfects and sterilizes instruments according to CDC/OSHA/ADA standards.
• Changes dental solutions as outlined in Standards of Clinical Practice Book and maintains record manual.
• Responsible for equipment care and maintenance.
• Defrosts refrigerator monthly and records, keeping records in chart.
• Updates MSDS book and Q.A. manual.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Dental Director or Dentist

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend and perform light lifting. This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards and/or hazardous materials.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• One to two years prior dental experience preferred
• DANB Radiation Health and Safety or an equivalent state approved program
• CPR/BLS Certified
• ICE certification required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Computer literate

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or Business Institute Certificate and Certification from accredited dental assisting program