OWATC Jobs

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Job Summary
This position assists dentists or orthodontists with routine as well as restorative and surgical procedures. The incumbent maintains and operates equipment and instruments under the direction of the dentist or orthodontist, and provides initial orientation for dental residents. This position may be required to access and administer medications within their scope of practice and according to State Law.

Qualifications
Completion of Dental Assistant Course and one year chair-side experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Successful completion of Radiology Safety and Health exam or complete within six months of hire. Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card or obtained within one month of hire. Excellent human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

• Prepares patients and treatment rooms for procedures.
• Cleans, sterilizes and maintains instruments.
• Obtains, develops, mounts, and files x-rays.
• Assists dentist or orthodontists with procedures by preparing, identifying and providing appropriate instruments.
• Provides suctioning, sponging and retracting procedures.
• Assists the dentist or orthodontist with preparation and administration of sedation anesthesia.
• Instructs patients on appropriate dental hygiene practices.
• Orders, stocks and maintains equipment and supplies.
• Schedules patient appointments.
• Performs laboratory procedures by pouring, trimming and mounting models and making custom trays.

Problem Solving
This position performs duties as outlined by the State of Utah Dental Practice Act. The incumbent must keep current and initiate implementation of infection control protocol that prevents cross contamination and protects staff. The incumbent is encouraged to participate in training and education as new advances in dentistry arise.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Seldom: Vibration (Exposure to oscillating movements of extremities or whole body), infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required
Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient’s status and provide care as described in the department’s policies and procedures manual.