REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

Description

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT (RDA) JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for preparing the patient for the treatment, assist the dentist in performing their treatment to the patient in restorative dentistry or oral surgery, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for the dentist’s use, take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other duties related to work

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT (RDA) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist.
• Serves as dentist’s chair side assistant.
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist’s directions.
• Takes digital x-rays in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s direction and Dental Department policy and protocol.
• Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and complies a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Maintains a list of all Dental Department patients, monitors patient flow, and assists the Dental director, dentist in assuring that all patient records are properly and accurately completed through DMR
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient of the dental department.
• Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with dental department directive and protocol.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with dental department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulations.
• 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 achieved organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• May perform the following procedures:
• 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 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 bite registrations for diagnostic models for case study only
• Coronal polishing

Requirements

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT (RDA) EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED certification
• Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant required
• Proof of completion of the following: 
• Course in Radiation Safety of at least 32 hours.
• Course in Coronal Polishing of at least 12 hours.
• 2-hour course in the California Dental Practice Act
• 8-hour course in Infection Control 
• Certification in a Basic Life Support course through the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the American Safety and Health Institute, the American Dental Association’s Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CERP) program, or the Academy of General Dentistry’s Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE).
• Spanish speaking preferred, not required

 REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT (RDA) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Effective oral communication skills in Spanish preferred.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Excel, Power Point and Word.
• Ability to learn and utilize patient management software and dental practice software.
• Flexible and able to multi-task; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
• Ability to find solutions when barriers are identified.
• Strong documentation skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize when needed.
• Ability to independently seek out resources and work collaboratively.
• Ability to read, understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Experience and work ethics that supports working within a high functioning, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrates a willingness and ability to work under supervision.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with staff.
• Ability to use computer and learn new software programs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills reflecting clarity and diplomacy and the ability to communicate accurately and effectively with all levels of staff and management.
• Demonstrates ability to work in a regulatory climate that includes oversight of state and federal entities, payer contracts etc.
• Possesses ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Possesses genuine respect for others and acceptance of their individual social and cultural traits.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Outlook.
• Able to travel and attend professional meetings, conferences, trainings and clinic sites.
• Demonstrate flexibility, enthusiasm, and willingness to cooperate while working with others in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proficiency and/or ability to expand knowledge of department specific key performance indicators. This includes interrupting data and ability to generate, as well, share self-service reports. In addition, the ability use reports/data to drive decision making.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT (RDA) PAY RATE: $23-25/hr

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT (RDA) BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental and Vision – 100% paid by Employer
• Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment – 100% paid by Employer
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Fringe
• Supplemental Insurance