Dental Assistant, Registered

Position Summary: This positionperforms para-professional dental work, receptionist functions, and dental radiography including: Essential Functions / Duties: As Registered Dental Assistant: Clean, package/wrap and sterilize dental instruments and equipment while following sterilization and safety guidelines.Greet, seat and prepare patients for treatment.Prepares instruments and supplies; assists dentist in operatory.Make a variety of dental radiographs, including periapicals, bitewings, full mouth surveys and panoramic films.Scan images into the dental software and place them in the correct templates.Instruct patients in simple oral hygiene, nutrition counseling and if necessary, tobacco cessation.Dismisses patients at the end of procedure.Document procedural notes in electronic records for every visit.Verify patient name, date of birth, medications and allergies of all patients at every visit.Check blood pressure on patients prior to extractions, on all new adult patients and at periodic recalls.Maintains lab, operatory and sterilization room as needed and time permits.Obtain and/or maintain current CPR certification.Obtain and/or maintain current X-ray certification. Sterilization: Maintains autoclaves, ultrasonic, compressor and vacuum (suction).Answers phones, takes messages, and relays information.Stocks supplies in sterilization and each operatory, as needed.Performs all duties of dental assistant, as needed.Obtain and /or maintain current OSHA and Infection Control certification. Clerical Duties: Assist front desk staff in greeting patients, if needed.Fax referral letters, school screenings and other dental documentation.Provide cost estimates to patients for treatment, as needed.Help maintain dental waiting list, Department of Human Services (DHS) watch list and referral list. Other Duties as assigned Education: Registered Dental Assistant: Graduate of an accredited dental assisting program approved by the Iowa Dental Board; verifiable attendance at a four-hour State Board-approved radiation seminar, with certificate to operate dental X-ray equipment. Experience: Experience as a Registered Dental Assistant preferred but will provide on-the-job training for the right candidate who possesses healthcare employment background experience, strong work ethic, self-starter, teachable.Skills to be mastered during on-the-job training: Knowledge of dental instruments, equipment and procedures, including asepsis.Knowledge of dental terminology and oral hygiene.Ability to make, scan and mount digital radiographs.Ability to learn basic skills in scanning, typing and entering patient information electronically.Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Licensure: Registered Dental Assistant by Iowa Dental Board (RDA or QDA); or Dental Assistant Trainee with attainment of Iowa RDA within 12 months (including completion of course of study in infection control, hazardous materials, and complete the Iowa Dental Boards jurisprudence testing).