Dental Assistant III (0198)

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The incumbent will work as part of a dental team consistent of a Dentist, Dental Hygienist and Front Desk office staff to provide efficient and effective dental care services. Employees at this level provide advanced assistance to a dental student or instructors/faculty/residents in rendering dental services and are expected to anticipate their needs; performs related specialized laboratory procedures; assists with hospital and laboratory cases; and instructs dental assistant students in the techniques, theory, and practice of dental assisting.

PATIENT CARE 80%

1. Handle instruments and other materials to dentist during procedures
2. Independently complete coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants
3. Apply fluoride varnish
4. Follow OSHA guidelines and HIPAA compliance
5. Work as part of a dental team with dentist, hygienist and front office
6. Take x-rays of patient teeth
7. Use suction and swabs to keep mouths clear and dry during procedures
8. Apply topical anesthetic to mouths
9. Organize and prepare dental instruments for dental procedures/exams
10. Sterilize dental instruments and equipment between each patient and end of day
11. Obtain dental records, update medical history and record accurate patient information
12. Advise dental care to patients
13. Assist hygienist
14. Take impression of mouths and pour models
15. Complete lab slips and communicate with labs
16. Make temporary crowns
17. Aids during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating dental materials, retracting and evacuating oral cavity, and assisting with sedations;
    1. Responsible for evaluating high level of asepsis in the dental operatory before receiving, during treatment, and following the dismissal of patients according to OSHA guidelines;
    2. Determines needs, orders, stores, and keeps inventory of supplies and equipment used in the clinic;
    3. Responsible for the maintenance and overall operating efficiency of equipment in the clinic;
    4. Supervises persons performing dental assisting activities, determining needs of the clinic schedule and assigning and evaluating work; assists in hiring new dental assistants;
    5. Expert in exposing digital, con-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and film-based dental radiographs; trains lower-level staff on technique under the direction of a dentist or dental X-ray technician, demonstrating all radiographic techniques and radiation protection;
    6. Instructs dental assistant students and/or dental students in specialized procedures; evaluates their performance while assigned to the clinic;
    7. Oversees pre and post-operative patient education (oral hygiene, maintenance, or prosthesis);
    8. Supervises and assists personnel in providing ambulatory services to patients; assigns cases to doctors;
    9. Communicates directly with patients as guided by the student or instructors/faculty;
    10. Performs duties comparable to those associated with the next lower level in this series and other related duties as assigned.
        
        INDIRECT PATIENT CARE 20%
        
        1. Schedule appointments, maintaining records, answer
        phones, order supplies and other front desk office tasks

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. Two years (24 months) of work experience in dental assisting comparable to that performed at the Dental Assistant II level of this series, including experience in four-handed dentistry.
2. Current Certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board, if required by the employing institution.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's)

1. Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and supervise the work of others.
2. Knowledge and techniques needed to diagnose and treat dental injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatments, and preventive dental measures.
3. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
4. Knowledge of computers to input data, access information, and/or create materials and documents using a variety of clinical software applications.
5. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
6. Ability to perform functions of administrative and clerical procedures managing files and records, designing forms, and managing inventory.
7. Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
8. Skill in interpersonal verbal and written communication.
9. Ability to build rapport with patients.
10. Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
11. Ability to remain continuously on task for several hours while sitting, standing, or moving.
12. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when speaking with patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
13. Ability to help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures; communicates appropriately and positively to guide and re-assure patients.

Condition of Employment:

Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.

If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hrrecruitment@siumed.edu or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.

The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at https://www.siumed.edu/police-security. This report contains policy statements and crime statistics for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. This report is published in compliance with Federal Law titled the

"Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act."

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.

Pre-employment background screenings required.