Duke University Health System Job Description: |
| Job Title: DENTAL ASSISTANT | Job Code: 4051 |
| FLSA: N | Pay Target: C2 |
| Date: 05/03/2016 | Supervisory Responsibility: No |
A Dental Assistant performs supportive dental procedures under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist.
Assist in the dental treatment of patients to include seating patients, providing dentist with instruments and equipment, chart examination and treatment results on patient's dental record. Clean, sterilize and assemble instruments, supplies and equipment required for specific dental procedures.
Schedule and confirm appointments, greet patients and process records as required for all providers in the clinic; requisition supplies and equipment. Perform routine maintenance on instruments and equipment. These duties can be performed for licensed dentists or other MDs in the clinic environment.
Assist in the training of new employees.
Dental Assistant 1 - As outlined by the NC Dental Board, the following are allowable functions under the DAI job classification with direct control and supervision by a licensed dentist. These functions will be expected of a DA1 at Duke University Health System.
-Write laboratory work orders (Exact words must be dictated by the dentist) -Place amalgam in prep with carrier -Apply topical fluoride - Expose radiographs (see requirements below) -Oral hygiene instruction - Take pulse, blood pressure and temperature -Polish dentures (extraorally, upon instruction by the dentist and reinsertion by the dentist) -Apply topical anesthetics -Monitor patients under nitrous oxide (see requirements below) -Write prescriptions (drugs); exact words must be dictated by the dentist -Perform extraoral adjustments of any temp restoration or appliance (Extraorally, upon instruction by the dentist and reinsertion by the dentist)
Dental Assistant II - As outlined by the NC Dental Board, the following are allowable functions under the DAII job classification with direct control and supervision by a licensed dentist. These functions will be expected for a DAII at Duke University Health System:
-Place gingival retraction cord -Polish coronal portion of tooth (using a hand-held brush and appropriate polishing agents or a combination of a slow-speed handpiece (not to exceed 10,000 rpm) with an attached rubber cup or bristle brush and appropriate polishing agents.) -Remove sutures -Flush, dry and temporarily close root canals -Place and tie in or untie and remove ortho archwires -Place ligature wire or lock pins -Place and/or remove rubber dams -Fit (size) orthodontic bands or brackets - Place cavity bases and liners -Apply sealants after DDS has examined patient and prescribed procedure -Insert interdental spacers -Insert spacer wires or springs -Take impressions for study models and opposing casts -Insert matrix bands and wedges -Place and remove temp restorations -Remove excess cement -Monitor patients in nitrous oxide (see requirements below) -Remove periodontal dressings -Cement temp restorations using temp cement -Apply acid etch materials/rinses -Apply bonding agents -Apply dentin desensitizing solutions -Perform extraoral adjustments of any temp restoration or appliance -Initially form and size orthodontic arch wires after final adjustment and approval by the dentist.
| Education: | Dental Asst 1- Requires educational background generally acquired through a high school education & one year dentistry related experience OR completion of approved dental assistant course. Dental Asst II- Meet requirements of a DA 1 and one of the following criteria: 1) Completion of an ADA-accredited dental assisting program 2) Completion of one academic year or longer in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program 3) Completion of full-time employment/experience as a chairside assistant for two years (3,000 hrs) of the preceding five; a 3-hour course in sterilization & infection control; a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies; radiology training consistent with GS 90-29 (s)(12); OR 4) Completion of the certification exam administered by the DANB. |
| Experience: | As noted above. |
| Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification: | Dental Asst I- To qualify to monitor patients under nitrous oxide, a DA I must successfully complete a NC Board-approved 7-hr course in nitrous oxide-oxygen conscious sedation. Dental Asst II- Current CPR certification. Radiography Requirements A certified DA I or an assistant who completes an ADA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program may take radiographs without further examination. All others, including those who move to NC from out-of- state, must pass an equivalency exam. To perform coronal polishing, a DA II must complete a 7-hr coronal polishing course meeting NC Board requirements. To monitor patients under nitrous oxide, a DA II must complete a NC Board-approved 7-hr course in nitrous oxide-oxygen conscious sedation. |
| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: |
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The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
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Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.