Dental Assistant Traditional

Dental Assistant - Traditional

Job Summary:

The Dental Assistant performs clinical and sterilization duties according to OSHA standards to support dental providers in the delivery of services to the community.

• Greets patients and visitors.
• Verifies chart accuracy and records treatment information in patient records.
• Takes and records medical and dental histories, and sometimes vital signs of patients.
• Assists the dentist in all dental procedures.
• Takes x‑rays and impressions under supervision of a dentist.
• Tracks all dental laboratory cases (sends out and verifies return).
• Orders and stocks supplies and stocks rooms as needed.
• Monitors dosimeter badges (radiation).
• Maintains infection controls.
• Provides postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
• Reviews daily schedule and sets up trays accordingly.
• Sets up operatories.
• Cleans and maintains equipment and instruments.
• Conducts spore test on autoclave.
• Cross‑trains for receptionist.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Coordination to handle dental instruments and adapt to dentist’s actions; comfortable with finger dexterity and arm‑hand steadiness.
• Social perceptiveness to be aware of and understand patient reactions and detect signs of syncope, choke, or other side reactions to dental treatment.
• Knowledge of dental clinic procedures encompassing receiving, routing, and scheduling patients, ordering supplies, and requesting related services.
• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized dental procedures used in general dentistry to prepare and provide chair‑side assistance.
• Working knowledge of taking diagnostic dental radiographs for bony structures of the face.
• Equipment selection skills to identify tools and supplies necessary to perform a job.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance and sterilization techniques; ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
• Time‑management skills.
• Proficient computer skills using software to store and retrieve patient and office information.
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations and preventative measures (HIPAA confidentiality, infection control, etc.).
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Working knowledge of the English language.
• Excellent oral and written communication.

High School Diploma or GED.

One year in a dental clinic or healthcare setting preferred.

Current Vermont licensure with radiology certificate preferred. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required or ability to obtain certification.

Regular talking or hearing; frequent use of hands or fingers, handling or feeling objects, tools or controls; frequent standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, and leaning over patients; occasional sitting; occasional lifting or moving up to 20 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and focus adjustment. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Personal computer and printer, x‑ray machine, autoclave, and other lab equipment, copier, telephone, and facsimile machine.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All applicants made a conditional offer of employment must cooperate fully with background investigations.

All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

NOTCH is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug‑free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.