Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

This position will serve as the lead assistant to the faculty, residents, and student dentists, and coordinate day-to-day operations of the Pediatric Dental Clinic. The Dental Assistant 2 will assist in providing pediatric dental care and pediatric dental education to patients. This position will  perform basic research activities to support faculty research projects. The dental assistant will also provide coverage at the reception desk, as necessary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provide chair side assistance to the faculty, residents, and dental students of the pediatric dental clinic with dental procedures, including examinations, teeth cleaning, restorations, endodontic therapies, surgical therapies, emergency procedures, and space maintenance procedures. Detect possible adverse reactions of patients during treatment and notify dentist. Provide oral health education to patients and their guardians. (45%)
Maintain clinical area in accordance with OSHA regulations and clean clinical areas between patients. Prepare clinic for the day¿s schedule, including setting up clinical area, supplies, and instruments. After procedures are completed; clean, sterilize and restock cubicles, instruments, and equipment; including the collection and transport of all contaminated instruments to central sterilization for processing. Check equipment to ensure that it is in good working order and verify that it has been certified. Report/record all repair orders to the school of dental medicine¿s facilities office. Turn off equipment and secure area at the end of the clinic day. (10%)   
Organize and maintain the inventory of all clinical supplies (dental and office) and instruments. Prepare and submit pre-requisitions in order to obtain proper authorization to re-order materials and supplies as needed. Submit monthly reports to dispensary manager. Obtain, compile, and reconcile laboratory invoices. Audit expiration dates of clinical supplies on a monthly basis. Properly dispose of outdated materials in accordance with Case Western Reserve University, Environmental Health and Safety and OSHA guidelines. (10%)
Coordinate clinic functions to support the clinicians in the delivery of high quality, efficient dental care and ensure smooth operations. Facilitate communication between patients, guardians, and dentist in regard to appointments and treatment process. Review patient schedule to determine efficient use of staff¿s time. Coordinate patient admitting procedures. Obtain patient records, radiographs, and models. (7%)
Provide front desk coverage in the absence of the receptionist. This includes answering and returning phone calls, scheduling patients in Axium software, opening patient encounters in Axium upon arrival, and verifying current insurance and if a pre-determination is necessary before treatment begins. (6%)
Perform basic research activities, such as the distribution of anonymous surveys or introducing research information to prospective participants who may benefit from the research. Gather data to support faculty research activities. Maintain data for students¿ educational activities with the pediatric dental clinic. Verify that pediatric dentistry residents¿ encounters are closed within established timeframes. (6%) 
Provide administrator with assistance in the development and maintenance of patient record, filing and tracking systems. (6%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Actively participate in the organization of dental care/educational events, such as Give Kids a Smile Day program at the school of dental medicine. (5%)
Assist with training of interns and temporary help in regard to operational procedures. (3%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)
 

CONTACTS 

Department: Daily contact with clinic faculty, residents, and student dentists to facilitate patient care. Daily contact with cashiers, dispensary staff, receptionists, and graduate department specialty clinic personnel while performing job duties. Contact with department chair as needed.

University: Little or no contact with other departments expected. 

External: Daily contact with patients and guardians to facilitate care. Occasional contact with insurance companies and vendors to verify coverage, resolve problems and exchange information.

Students: Daily contact with graduate students to facilitate patient care and assist with training.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 1 to 3 years of dental assisting experience.

Education/Licensing: High School education. Dental Assistant certification. Current radiology certification. Annual CPR certification.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Firm knowledge of dental materials and instruments.
Technical knowledge of dental assistance and sterilization practices. 
Basic knowledge of insurance codes and forms. Basic knowledge of Axium dental software.
Basic knowledge of ordering and inventory control.
Good organizational skills, excellent judgement, and a strong sense of responsibility; display initiative.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written including email correspondence.
Ability to effectively work in a fast paced office.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance. 
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. 
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

This work is performed in a clinical setting, and requires general knowledge of chemicals, blood borne pathogens, and lab safety. Hepatitis B inoculation and annual TB testing is required. Annual renewal of bloodborne pathogen training/testing is required. Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds.