Registered Dental Assistant

Registered Dental Assistant (Healthcare) ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assists dentist during a variety of dental treatment procedures that involve saliva, blood, and odors with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and economic status. Sets up operatory for dental procedures, including tray set‑ups, materials, and equipment. Takes and develops radiographs (x‑rays). Prepares materials for making impressions and restorations. Takes and records medical history and vital signs. Writes lab slips and maintains lab cases.

Understands and follows infection control and hazard communication rules and regulations. Understands and follows HIPAA confidentiality rules and regulations. Sterilizes instruments, oils and cleans equipment according to MIOSHA/OSHA standards and performs routine disinfection of rooms and equipment. Sends in monitor strips as required. Helps patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment. Provides patients with post‑operative instructions following oral surgery or other dental treatment procedures.

Uses Dentrix to chart the mouth and teeth of patients, reviews and explains treatment plans to patients, and schedules clients for treatment as needed. Demonstrates strong listening and speaking skills for communicating with dentists, hygienists, and patients. Exhibits good critical thinking skills, evaluating alternative solutions to problems.

Performs expanded function duties as necessary and in accordance to Michigan's allowable functions. May apply topical treatments as necessary and in accordance to Michigan's allowable functions.

Participate in agency drills. During a public health emergency may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Ability to learn front office functions (i.e., answer phones, Medicaid and private insurance billing, use credit card and fax machine, check patients in and out). Assist front desk personnel in determining client fee for service; accept payment, receipt and record transaction. As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary education objectives and/or tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

The tasks performed on the job regularly would produce exposure to illness and injury or health hazards. An accident may result in permanent or long‑term injury or illness. Recurring adverse working conditions such as frequent travel, extreme temperatures, excessive noise, navigating difficult terrain, and/or blood‑borne pathogens exist on the job. On a frequent basis (over 2/3 of the working days), the position requires the following types of physical demands:
The position requires the ability to see, sit, talk, hear, speak, stand, walk, and use a keyboard. Repeated reaching, bending/kneeling, climbing stairs/ladders, gripping, pinching, pulling/pushing, transferring, lifting up to 25#, or carrying up to 25#.

Must possess a valid Michigan Driver’s License and demonstrate the ability and means to travel as needed and dictated by work responsibilities.