Dental Assistant III - Community Dentistry

Supports dentists and hygienists in teaching and patient care in both community-based settings as well as the dental clinic. The primary patient populations being served are developmentally disabled, physically disabled, sensory impaired, pediatric, and other vulnerable populations requiring advanced care. Assists dentists and hygienists in teaching best practices of patient care- especially for vulnerable populations in community and clinic settings. Prepares work areas, equipment, instruments, and supplies needed for patient care. Is responsible for maintaining equipment and instruments as well as their proper disinfection, transportation practices, sterilization, and storage. Helps to assure authorization and consent to treat is appropriate and updated medical histories are provided. Helps to ensure record keeping is timely, complete, and appropriate follow-up care is arranged. Collects program and / or billing data as needed for reporting purposes.

Qualifications :

• Graduated from an accredited Dental Assisting School with Radiology Certification
• A minimum of 10 years of dental assisting experience-preferably serving vulnerable populations.
• Experienced in operating and maintaining dental equipment, notably portable dental units, mobile dental equipment, and portable radiographic equipment.
• Documented experience in complex dental delivery settings
• Experienced in interprofessional communication and the provision of interdisciplinary whole person health care.
• Experience with various electronic healthcare record (EHR) systems, medical and dental record keeping practices. Experienced in applying HIPAA, FERPA, and Infection Control standards in both clinical and community-based settings
• Experience in the social services field and is anticipated to serve as a liaison between the School of Dentistry and the community rotation sites preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :