Dental Assistant, OMS
Meharry Medical College

The Dental Assistant works under general supervision. Sets up and take radiographs (digital and/or manual), and logs in x-rays taken. Assists in taking patient's vital signs. Assures that all paperwork, documentation and records are ready and available at the time patients arrive for clinic visits. Is responsible for requisitioning, dispensing and maintain supplies and equipment in the assigned clinical areas. This position reports clinic equipment malfunctions to the dental maintenance area. This position is responsible for sterilization of equipment assigned to the respective clinic. This position works with faculty, residents and students.

Daily Operations

• Dental Auxiliary Utilization (DAU).
• Assists Students, Residents and Dentist, prepares for oral and maxillofacial surgery (dental) treatment by draping patient with covering; arranges dental instruments, materials and medications on chair side tray in the order they are to be used according to scheduled treatment.
• Pass instruments to the student, resident and dentist during patient treatment; may require mixing of dental material for procedure.
• Assist with local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and oxygen, and intravenous sedation procedures
• Keeps oral operating areas clear during dental procedures by use of suction devices; irrigation of water, cotton rolls/gauze and holders.
• Takes patients vital signs
• Sterilization of dental instruments and proper maintenance of log books
• Takes radiographs digital for review and study.
• Administers home care instructions.
• Working with assigned Team to ensure the best patient experience.
• Sterilizes, disinfects all instruments and equipment using autoclaves or chemical disinfectants. Answers the telephone, take messages for persons working their clinical area.
• Assigns chairs to students in the appropriate clinical area. Maintains inventory of supplies needed for the appropriate area.
• Obtain, verifies and records patient demographic information.
• Retrieve and timely response to patient messages (telephone and automated (Televox).
• Requisitions supplies for the appropriate clinical area. Issues supplies and equipment to dental students working in the appropriate clinical area.

Required Skills

• Professional and courteous, ability to multi-task and knowledge of dental terminology and HIPPA.
• Knowledge of names and use of dental instruments and equipment.
• Knowledge of basic methods of dental record keeping and reporting.
• Knowledge of sterilization/infection control techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of record keeping and reporting.
• Working knowledge of equipment and instruments used in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Dentistry).
• Ability to maintain adequate inventories supplies.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with faculty, residents, students and other employees.
• Ability to evaluate and assist Faculty, residents, students in chair procedures.
• Ability to understand technical and medical nomenclature.
• Ability to file alphabetically and numerically.
• Ability to relate to the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to accomplish other duties within the scope of a dispensary clerk as assigned by the supervisors

Required Education and Experience

• High School or equivalent and successful completion of a dental assistant program and registration with the State of Tennessee required. Prior experience working with 2D, and 3D radiology equipment preferred. A minimum of two (2) years' experience as a medical/dental receptionist, insurance processor or a similar position in a medical/dental office, hospital, insurance company, health plan or other health related facility. Experience with computerized scheduling and billing systems; bilingual preferred. BLS, ACLS, PALS, DAANCE utilized within the clinical workday.
• State of Tennessee Dental Assistant National Board Certification with Dental Radiology Certification required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required
• Nitrous Oxide certification preferred
• ACLS, PALS, DAANCE preferred

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