Position Summary

The Lead Expanded Duties Dental Assistant will support the dentist in providing high-quality oral health care and education to a broad range of patients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment
• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; clean and properly sterilize instruments and record all sterilization activities; help manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
• Prepares the operatory for patient visits, including cleaning, disinfecting and restocking the room
• Scans reception area for patients and help manage the patient flow
• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; collects and records patient health history
• Prepares dental materials cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
• Provides active chair side assistance; transfers instrument as appropriate for four-handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs
• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility
• Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently
• Exposes radiographs using digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions
• Applies topical fluoride and varnishes, as well as pit and fissure sealants
• Polishes coronal surfaces of patient’s teeth (without high-speed instruments) to remove stains and soft deposits and polishes amalgams or composite surfaces, when certified
• Fabricates, preliminarily fits and removes temporary crowns for final cementation; places temporary restorative materials and removes excess cement from fabricated restorations
• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards and custom trays
• Supports and assists with special community oriented dental care programs
• Attends required meetings, in-services and daily huddles
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Strong alignment with SCHC Mission
• Other duties as necessary to ensure successful attainment of SCHC goals and objectives

Lead Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of a dentist, manage EDDAs and Dental Assistant(s) day-to-day activities.
• Schedules EDDAs coverage for the center and the schools.
• Assist dental director, dentist in hiring and training new employees on properly using all equipment, instruments, software, and sterilization process.
• Assist dentist with managing U of L students, and dental clinical staff follows proper protocols.
• Assist dentist with leading daily morning huddles for the dental team in the absence of the Dental Director.
• Opens and closes the dental office when needed.
• Assist dental director with ordering materials and supplies for the front desk and dental clinical area.

 Job Qualifications and Requirements

• High School degree/GED required
• Completion of an accredited course in expanded duties dental assisting
• CPR/BLS certification required
• Minimum of two years’ work experience as an EDDA
• Leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate all types of dental equipment and machinery
• Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry, knowledge of general materials, their storage, handling and application is required
• Skill in operation of computer and other office equipment
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks to completion
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to respect and appreciate diversity and cultural competence
• Ability to react calmly in emergency situations
• Ability to read, understand, and respond to detailed oral and written instructions
• Post Acceptance Requirements for Credentialing (some completed after start date): Copy of EDDA license/certificate, copy of diploma, official transcript of highest degree, driver’s license photocopy, immunization record, immunization consent/declination form, PPD status/TB test results from the last 12 months, BLS certificate, health form, competency form checklist, and fitness for duty form.