Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

This employee provides advanced remediable intra-oral dental tasks/procedures during examination and treatment of patients. Performs clinical support functions essential for the operation of a dental clinic. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of:
Principals and working properties of various dental restorative materials. Proper use of equipment, instruments, and supplies used in performance of comprehensive dental treatment. Proper maintenance of dental equipment including hand pieces, vacuum, compressor, automatic processor, dental unit, and autoclave. CDC, OSHA, and State Dental Board rules and requirements concerning infection control rules and regulations. Safe handling of contaminated instruments and waste.

Potential for exposure to HIV, HBV, TD, STDs, etc. Basic life support in the management of dental emergencies. Skills and techniques used in assistance with provision of four-handed dentistry.

Skill to:
Operate a computer utilizing the appropriate software related to assigned area of responsibility. Input appropriate data into computer system. Operate equipment and instruments used in performance of assigned dental procedures. Expose, process, and mount dental radiographs. Pour and trim study models. Place dental restorative materials – metallic & non-metallic. Place sealants. Communicate in lay terms to dental patients.

Ability to:
Perform dental charting (dental and periodontal). Perform assigned four-handed dentistry tasks. Maintain instruments and equipment used in examination and treatment of dental patients. Provide oral hygiene instructions. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Interpret and clearly explain procedures, situations, and policies to the public as well as to other employees. Write legibly, clearly, and concisely using proper English. Reduce a complaint or problem to writing for recording purposes.

Listen effectively. Prioritize calls and requests. Perform mathematical calculations. Organize work and follow directions, both oral and written. Show sensitivity toward the needs of patients. Manage patients with anxiety, mental illnesses, or mental retardation. Handle difficult customers or situations in a calm and professional manner. Work in a fast paced environment. Work and make decisions with little supervision.

Each applicant must have the equivalency of a high school diploma plus training or three years of experience as a chairside Dental Assistant. Other requirements include a valid Driver's License and a Dental Assistant Radiographer License from the Ohio State Dental Board.

The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees. Benefits include paid holidays, health insurance, basic life insurance, supplemental life, long term disability, accident, and critical illness insurance, flexible benefits plans, a healthy lifestyles program, an integrated health reimbursement arrangement, a retirement plan, and deferred compensation.