Dental Assistant

DENTAL ASSISTANT:
The Dental Assistant will understand and model the mission of NSO. The DA will understand and practice NSO’s policy on confidentiality in respect to all NSO information. The DA will exhibit professional behavior in all facets of work  DA will exhibit teamwork with all NSO staff. The DA will work with the dentist and other team members to increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care by performing tasks that require both interpersonal and technical skills.

• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Taking digital x-rays with the use of snap‑a‑ray sensor holders
• Review patient medical history
• Take blood pressure and pulse
• Work closely with the infection control officer to maintain infection control protocol
• Preparing and sterilizing instruments and dental equipment
• Ensure patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Ensure patient received written instructions for care following dental surgery or other dental treatment procedures
• Apply topical drugs prescribed by a dentist
• Take impressions or a digital scan of patients’ teeth for study casts
• Communicating with the dentist and patient to schedule follow up appointments
• Place or remove celluloid, plastic or metallic strips between teeth for subsequence placement or filling by the dentist
• Place or remove rubber dam under supervision of a dentist
• Provide suction/evacuation function
• Assist with maintaining patient charts, clinic progress notes, and NSO clinic records
• Other assigned duties

• Must effectively communicate in English orally and in writing.
• Must possess a valid dental assisting permit from the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry.
• Must have X-ray certification.
• Nitrous certification preferred.
• Coronal polishing and fluoride application certification preferred.
• Sealant application certification preferred.
• Must possess a valid Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
• Experience working with the homeless and underserved population preferred.
• Clearance of background check and drug screen.
• This is a Safety Sensitive Position and therefore is not subject to the protections of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act.

• Thorough knowledge of dental office and chair‑side dental assisting practices, procedures and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of dental terminology and charting practices.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of dental health promotion and prevention.
• Some knowledge of Federal and OSHA regulations for dental clinics.
• Intermediate computer skills with knowledge of Eaglesoft software and digital x‑rays preferred.
• Knowledge of digital scanning of teeth using iTero preferred.
• Requires ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to be culturally sensitive to the needs of the medically indigent.
• Ability to respond to new client needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic clinic environment and to handle multiple demands and responsibilities.

• The work requires lifting of supply boxes in the medium range (up to 30 lbs.).
• Majority of time spent in this position is in a well‑lit, heated and/or air‑conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.
• Work very near other people and have little space between self and others.
• May risk exposure to radiation.
• May risk exposure to biohazards and communicable diseases.
• May be placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or unpleasant.
• Work is performed walking or standing much of the time.
• Occasional periods of high stress.