Dental Assistant Trainee

The purposes of this position are to provide housekeeping and clinical functions, and to help the dental team in the performance of their assigned tasks.

• Greets and seats dental patients. Sets out patient's proper radiographs, chart, instruments, and materials for designated dental procedures.
• Assists patient in completing medical history. Records specific information on the patient's dental record as dictated by the dentist. Helps patients understand procedures to make appointments.
• Observes / trains with higher grade dental assistants providing chairside assistance.
• Performs the following tasks under the guidance of higher grade dental assistant or dentist: passes instruments, arranges and mixes dental materials; operates oral evacuator; retracts cheek and tongue; provides post‑operative instructions. Properly wears gloves, mask, protective eyewear and barrier garment for all dental procedures.
• Responsible for properly cleaning, packaging and sterilizing all dental instruments. Correctly organizes and sets up dental instruments, supplies and materials for each dental procedure. Uses appropriate infection‑control technique during set‑up and clean‑up.
• Maintains operatory unit and clinic areas in a clean, orderly, and aseptic manner. Provides routine maintenance on dental equipment. Informs supervisor about repairs or adjustments needed for equipment in the clinic.
• Properly stores dental instruments, supplies, materials and tray set‑ups. Responsible for keeping assigned clinic area properly stocked with all necessary supplies, materials and instruments. Informs supervisor when inventory of supplies and materials are low.

• Ability to learn and follow procedures such as receiving patients, ordering supplies, organizing tray set‑ups and using aseptic technique.
• Ability to learn the use, care and storage of dental instruments, equipment and materials.
• Ability to learn infection control procedures and technique.
• Ability to interact with patients, to be able to explain procedures, give post‑operative instructions, and make appointments.
• Ability to learn basic dental terminology and record‑keeping procedures to properly enter information in patient records. Dexterity to pass instruments and materials, to suction and retract when assisting.

All assignments are clearly defined through clear, specific, and detailed instructions. The dental assistant trainee works as instructed and consults with the dentist or higher grade dental assistant on all matters not specifically covered in the original guidelines or instructions. The work is closely controlled through the structured nature of the work itself, and through supervisory review which includes checking progress and/or reviewing completed work for accuracy, adequacy, and adherence to instructions and established procedures.

Specific guidelines and procedures exist for all work assignments. Except for simpler, repetitive tasks such as making or verifying appointments, the dentist or higher grade assistant usually provides detailed guidelines when a task is assigned. The dental assistant trainee strictly adheres to these guidelines.

Are repetitive or involve steps which are clearly defined. Actions to be taken or responses to be made are readily discernable, or employee requests assistance.

Specific duties facilitate the work of the dentist and other dental assistants. Personal contacts are with patients, dental staff, and other employees within the facility. The purpose of contacts with other employees is to exchange information. Contacts with patients are to provide limited services and obtain information.

Duties require long periods of standing and walking.

Work involves danger of exposure to patients having communicable diseases. Dental assistant trainee must exercise caution to prevent cuts and burns in handling instruments. Dental assistant trainee must wear gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and barrier garment for all dental procedures.

This job description is intended to provide only basic guidelines…