Dental Assistant

Assist dental students, residents, and/or faculty in the treatment of patients requiring emergency, restorative, prosthodontic, periodontic, endodontic, and/or oral surgery services. Participate in four‑handed dentistry, provide chairside support with air, water, suction, and instrumentation. Accurately mix and prepare dental materials. Aid in managing challenging clinical situations, including apprehensive or pre‑medicated adult patients.

Aid in the placement of rubber dams and the preparation of local anesthetic syringes. Take responsibility for disposing of sharps immediately after patient discharge, operating high‑volume evacuation, complying with PPE and infection control protocols, maintaining awareness of MSDS, and handling hazardous materials properly.

Manage and replenish dental and specialty supplies. Maintain operatories in a clean, organized, and fully functional state. Ensure dental equipment is cleaned and maintained in proper operative condition daily. Prepare, package, and maintain dental instruments in accordance with infection control protocols, coordinating with Central Sterilization.

Perform laboratory tasks such as pouring prosthodontic models, cleaning, trimming, boxing, waxing impressions, and fabricating custom appliances including trays, night guards, mouth guards, bleaching trays, and bite rims. Polish dentures and prosthodontic appliances, take and mount face‑bow records, and reline dentures as needed.

Operate dental radiographic equipment to obtain intraoral and extraoral images. Explain procedures to patients, position lead aprons and collars, process, review, and upload radiographs into the electronic record system.

Prepare operatories for patient treatment, ensuring instruments, materials, and equipment are laid out according to procedural requirements. Seat and drape patients, explain upcoming procedures, assist with clinical procedures (mixing materials, assembling anesthetic syringes), and prepare surgical operatories following sterile protocols.

Enter clinical findings into the electronic health record as dictated by the dentist. Assist in scheduling follow‑up appointments and provide support across departmental areas as needed. Assist with fabrication of instructional materials for pre‑clinical courses.

Provide dental assisting services at off‑campus sites, travel reimbursed at Augusta University rates. Participate in board examinations and certification events. Assist with health fairs and community outreach efforts.

Follow guidelines regarding PPE and infection control. Dispose of sharps, handle contaminated materials, and dispose of hazardous waste. Adhere to emergency response protocols and administer basic emergency support as needed.

Perform all other duties as assigned by DCG Operations management.