Certified Dental Assistant at Caldwell County, NC – Lenoir, North Carolina

The primary purpose of the Caldwell County Health Department is to deliver public health services in Caldwell County.

The Dental Assistant performs a variety of clerical and dental assisting tasks such as recording and maintaining patient data and charts, chairside dental assisting, making appointments, ordering and maintaining supplies, sterilization of instruments and operatories, and providing information to individuals and families who are recipients of local health services. Work is performed under the guidance and supervision of professional health personnel and evaluated constantly for satisfactory completion.

Public Health is a first responder agency for natural disasters (e.g. hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, winter storms), naturally occurring infectious disease outbreaks (e.g. influenza, SARS), technological hazards (hazardous materials releases, critical infrastructure disruptions), and terrorist incidents. Availability during emergencies and exercises is required.

This position is responsible for recording and maintaining patients’ medical/dental records using dental software. The assistant provides information for health services recipients and contacts patients by phone or letter regarding patient care or upcoming/overdue appointments. The assistant will answer phone calls to the dental clinic which involves scheduling new and existing patient appointments, answering questions, and confirming future appointments. This position assists in ordering, receiving, and storing dental supplies. The assistant will set up operatories, ensure instruments are ready for use, seat patients, and provide chair side assistance to the dentist during dental procedures. The assistant will utilize proper sterilization and infection control procedures to clean operatories and dental instruments and log activities in cleaning logs according to departmental policies. The assistant takes panoramic, periapical, and bitewing radiographs as prescribed by the dentist. Dental assistants at the dental clinic will complete the following procedures during recall appointments: charting, coronal polishing, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride varnish. The assistant reviews post-op instructions with patients. The assistant schedules future appointments and ensures recall postcards are completed.

Graduation from high school and successful completion of a one year ADA accredited dental assisting program. Applicant must have current CPR certification. At least one year experience working as a Dental Assistant II is preferred.

Special Condition for Continued Employment: meet qualifications set forth by the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners for classification as a Dental Assistant II.