JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision by a licensed dentist, primarily performs
chairside dental assisting requiring training and/or experience in a
specialized area of dentistry. Work may be performed in one or more
options which include Endodontics (END), Orthodontics (ORT),
Prosthodontics (PRO), Pediatric Dentistry (PED), Advanced General
Dentistry (AdGEN), Oral Surgery (ORAL), Periodontics (PER), and
Special Patients (SPEC).
PRIMARY DUTIES
1. Assists in conventional procedures such as root canal fillings.
Prepares for and assists in surgical procedures such as
apicoectomies and retrofills. (END)
2. Prepares for and assists in the placement of orthodontic
appliances. Prepares and fits ortho bands. Instructs patients in
the proper care and use of appliances. Selects headgear. Places
and removes arch wires. Places elastics and ligatures. (ORT)
3. Assists in complex fixed and removable restorative procedures
including tooth preparation, impressions, and occlusal
recordings. (PRO)
4. Assists in the preparation and filling of full, overdenture, and
partial denture fabrication. (PRO)
5. Applies behavior modification skills during care delivery to
pediatric patients. Assists in the preparation of orthodontic
appliances, space maintenance, and stainless steel crowns. (PED)
6. Prepares for and assists in the delivery of complex dental care
in a multi-provider setting involving periodontic and
prosthodontic rehabilitation. (AdGEN)
7. Prepares patients and equipment for simple and complex extraction
procedures, hard and soft tissue biopsies, and pre-prosthetic
surgical procedures. (ORAL)
8. Prepares patients and equipment for surgical procedures. Assists
in gingivoplasty, osteoplasty, bone implants, and other surgical
procedures. Replaces periodontal dressings. Removes sutures.
Instructs patients in post-operative care. (PER)
9. Places various types of bite blocks. Places and applies physical
restraints. (SPEC)
10. Sets up the armamentarium for oral, nitrous oxide analgesia,
intramuscular, and intravenous conscious sedation. (SPEC)
11. Sets up armamentarium for phlebotomy including selection of the
proper specimen container and notification of the laboratory.
(SPEC)
12. Performs all the duties of a Dental Assistant II.
Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a
representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of
this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific
duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED.
EXPERIENCE: Four years as a Dental Assistant, one year of which must
have been in the area of specialty applied for.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, techniques, and
practices of dental assisting. Skill in procedures using sit-down
four-handed dentistry techniques; in the use of dental instruments and
equipment. Ability to follow oral and written instructions; to
communicate effectively orally and in writing; to wear and work in
personal protective equipment.
OTHER: Except for qualifications established by law, additional
related experience and formal education in which one has gained the
knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the
work of the job class may be substituted for the education or
experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college
credits being equivalent to one year of experience.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Candidates selected for employment may be subjected to medical
inquiries and/or medical examination to determine the ability to
perform the job. Overtime, weekend, on-call, and shift work may be
required in some positions. Employees in this job class must be CPR
certified within the first twelve months of employment and must meet
and maintain the requirements for current dental assisting. If
applicable, employees must obtain certification in a specialty (e.g.,
Orthodontics) by the Dental Assisting National Board.