Dental Assistant - Oral Surgery​/Ent Clinic

Pay Range: $27.736 - $33.569
Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement.

John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital
Shift: 9 AM – 5 PM

Assist dentist and/or dental hygienist in examination and treatment of patients. Perform a variety of chair‑side and clinical support functions. Prepare treatment operatory, position instruments and equipment. Monitor patient comfort. Assist in maintaining treatment records and operating room equipment and instruments. Responsible for sterilization, preparation, and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.

• Establish reason for visit and instruct patient on preparation for dentist's examination.
• Takes and records patient vital signs such as blood pressure and respiration rate.
• Stocks and prepares operatory according to dentist's specifications and department protocols for patient treatment.
• Assists with various surgical, prosthetic and restorative procedures including impressions, evacuation, retraction, cementation and homeostasis.
• Assists with mixing various types of materials; dispense, set‑up and assist with nitrous oxide and electrosurgery.
• Assists patients in need of help, e.g., handicap, pediatric.
• Monitors intravenous fluids and vital signs during a procedure.
• Monitors clinical equipment and materials; maintains cleanliness in clinic area according to infection control procedures.
• Monitors proper infection control techniques.
• Exposes and develops dental radiographs as delegated and directed by the Dentist, in accordance with state regulation and department directive.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the Dentist, in accordance with state regulation and department directive.
• Maintains all department areas in compliance with policies relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center, inclusive of front office procedures as appropriate and time permits.
• Ensures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Department directive.
• Ensures proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Performs all functions in compliance with the system’s Exposure Control Plan, including use of personal protective equipment and universal precautions.
• Participates in health promotion and disease prevention activities, both on‑site and off‑site as required.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• Stocks and maintains supply and inventory for clinic and individual operatories.
• Reviews patient charts for completeness and order processing for referrals, x‑rays, consents, etc.
• Collects clinic encounter forms at the end of each session and forwards to billing.
• Provides backup for co‑workers when needed.
• Works collaboratively with the dentist to coordinate quality dental care for patients.
• Informs scheduled patients of any delays due to dentist's lateness, emergencies, or schedule changes.
• Performs other related tasks to achieve organizational goals as directed by a supervisor.
• Ensures personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and system rules, regulations, protocols and procedures.

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent (proof required at interview).
• Completed an accredited dental assisting program by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and one (1) year of clinical dental assisting experience in a dental clinic or hospital setting, OR three (3) years of experience. Proof required at interview.
• Valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification (proof required at interview).

• Certification in coronal polishing and dental sealant.
• Certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
• Bilingual.

• Knowledge of standard dental procedures,…