Certified Dental Assistant - FT - Day Shift

HOURLY RANGE: $23.501/hr - 27.373/hr

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves providing supportive services to a licensed dentist in his/her performance of dental services at the Department of Dentistry at the Erie County Medical Center Corporation. The incumbent performs the procedures based on the instructions given by a licensed dentist in the course of a procedure who remains in the dental office where the supportive services are being performed, personally diagnoses the condition to be treated, personally authorizes the procedures and before dismissal of the patient, who remains the responsibility of the licensed dentist, evaluates the services performed by the incumbent. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Supervision is not a function of this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Assists the dentist during examinations and treatment of patients;
• Seats and prepares patients for examination; takes preliminary medical histories and vital signs for review by the dentist;
• Mixes amalgams, silicates and other restorative materials;
• Places and removes rubber dams, matrix bands and temporary separating devices;
• Selects and pre-fits provisional crowns and orthodontic bands;
• Takes impressions for study casts or diagnostic casts, space maintainers, orthodontic appliances and occlusal guards;
• Removes orthodontic arch wires, periodontal dressings, temporary cement and sutures placed by a licensed dentist;
• Applies topical anticariogenic agents and desensitizing agents to the teeth;
• Sterilizes instruments and equipment for use by the dentist or hygienist;
• Makes up dental charts;
• Takes and develops x-rays;
• Provides patient education;
• Answers telephone and schedules dental appointments.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the practices, techniques and terminology of dental care; good knowledge of materials and instruments used by dentists in treatment of patients; working knowledge of x-ray procedures; working knowledge of practices, techniques and terminology of dental laboratory work; ability to maintain dental records; dependability; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and completion of a New York State Education Department approved one (1) year course of study in dental assisting at either:

• A regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university or a board of cooperative educational services (BOCES) program, either of which includes at least 200 hours of clinical experience; or

• A non-degree granting institution which shall not be a professional association or professional organization; or

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and completion of an alternate course of study in dental assisting approved by the New York State Education Department at either a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university or a board of cooperative educational services (BOCES) program, either of which includes at least 1,000 hours of relevant work experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a license or limited permit to practice as a Certified Dental Assistant as issued by the New York State Education Department at time of appointment;
• Possession of a license to practice as a Certified Dental Assistant issued by the New York State Education Department at time of permanent appointment.

NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.