Registered Dental Assistant-Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Performs those duties which assist the dentist and hygienist in the care and treatment of patients.

Essential Functions

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions, explaining treatment recommended by the dentist and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Serves as dentist's chair-side assistant.
• Prepares the operatory for patient treatment as per the dentist's directions.
• Takes digital dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and laws.
• Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer's directions and Dental Department policy and protocol. Keeps a log on all inspections of equipment.
• Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with infection control, exposure control and safety issues. Responsible for weekly spore testing of autoclave and keeping results in a log. Responsible for waterline testing and ensure sterility of water lines.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and with patient care of the Dental Department.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of ECDC as appropriate.
• Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Performs all functions in full compliance with the Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion / disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law. With the appropriate certifications the RDA assists the dentist with nitrous oxide administration, coronal polishing of teeth, flosses teeth, applies fluoride and places sealants when requested by dentist.
• Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local and ECDC rules, regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.