Rda/ Dental Assistant

• JOB SUMMARY: The Registered Dental Assistant 1 (RDA1) is a licensed/registered Dental Assistant with the California State Board of Dental Examiners. May perform the following procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist when done so pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of the supervising Dentist. Such procedures shall be checked and approved by the supervising Dentist prior to the dismissal of the patient from the CSVS Dental Clinic. May perform coronal polishing after a licensed Dentist or Registered Dental Hygienist has determined that the teeth to be polished are free of calculus or other extraneous material prior to coronal polishing. "Coronal Polishing" means a procedure limited to the removal of plaque and stain from exposed tooth surfaces, utilizing an appropriate rotary instrument with rubber cup or brush and polishing agent. Supports the Dentist in preparing patients for examinations, handing tools to the Dentist at chair side, and assisting with other duties as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General supervision: The RDA1 may also perform such basic supportive dental procedures as the following under the general supervision of a licensed Dentist:

• Extra oral duties or functions specified by the supervising dentist as listed in CSVS' Dental Assistant responsibilities.

• Operation of dental radiographic equipment for the purpose of oral radiology.

• Mouth-mirror inspection of the oral cavity, to include charting of obvious lesions, existing restorations, and missing teeth.

• Placement and removal of temporary sedative dressings.

• Direct supervision: The RDA May perform such basic supportive dental procedures as the following under the direct supervision of a licensed Dentist when done so pursuant to the order, control, and full professional responsibility of the supervising Dentist. Such procedures shall be checked and approved by the supervising Dentist prior to dismissal of the patient from the CSVS office of said Dentist:

• Obtain endodontic cultures.

• Dry canals, previously opened by the supervising dentist, with absorbent points.

• Test pulp vitality.

• Place bases and liners on sound dentin.

• Remove excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument or floss.

• Size stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns, and bands.

• Temporary cementation and removal of temporary crowns and removal of orthodontic bands.

• Placement of orthodontic separators.

• Placement and ligation of arch wires.

• Placement of post-extraction and periodontal dressings.

• Take impressions for diagnostic and opposing models

• Apply non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agents.

• Remove post-extraction and periodontal dressings.

• Placement of elastic orthodontic separators.

• Remove orthodontic separators.

• Assist in the administration of nitrous oxide analgesia or sedation.

• Hold anterior matrices.

• Remove sutures.

• Take intra-oral measurements for orthodontic procedures.

• Seat adjusted retainers or headgears, including appropriate instructions.

• Check for loose bands.

• Remove arch wires.

• Remove ligature ties.

• Apply topical fluoride, after scaling and polishing by the supervising Dentist or a Registered Dental Hygienist Place and remove rubber dams.

• Place wedge and remove matrices.

• The following responsibilities apply to ALL CSVS Dental Assistants, regardless of level of expertise:

• Maintain cleanliness of dental area according to CSVS housekeeping schedule form.

• Sterilizes instruments daily according to established protocol.

• Maintains diagnostic equipment and changes x-ray solutions according to manufacturer's guidelines.

• Maintains an inventory of all medications and supplies and appropriately stores them on the day of arrival.

• Orders dental supplies through the Patient Services Manager and ensures an adequate store of supplies.

• Sets up all required dental materials prior to patient appointment.

• Reviews dental records for completeness and updates.

• Performs all supportive dental procedures allowable and ONLY those allowable by own credentials.

• Participates in continuing education as required by CSVS and OSHA.

• Adequately assists at chair side via four handed dentistry.

• Delivers oral hygiene instruction to patients.

• Delivers post operative instructions to patients.

• Disposes of contaminated and expired disposable items in an established CSVS waste disposal site.

• Arranges referrals for patients at Dentist's request.

• Performs other duties as required

• PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Meets dress code standards; appearance is neat and clean.

• Completes annual educational requirements.

• Maintains regulatory requirements.

• Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.

• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.

• Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.

• Attends staff meetings as directed; reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes.

• Ensures patient confidentiality.

• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.

• Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.

• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

• REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (transcript is acceptable)

• Satisfactory completion of a Board Approved course of instruction in Coronal Polishing.

• At least one year experience as a Dental Assistant, Receptionist or other experience in a dental office preferred.

• Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant with the California State Board of Dental Examiners.

• 8-Hour Infection Control Certificate

• 2-Hour Dental Practice Certificate

• Dental Radiology License

• CPR BLS certification - current and not expired

• LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Bilingual - English/Spanish required.

• Other languages preferred.

• SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Basic computer knowledge.

• Ability to type 40 wpm.

• Knowledge of dental technology.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.