Dental Assistant

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

625 Elmwood Ave, Room 260, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

920715 EDC Specialty Care

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCA 205 H

Compensation Range:

$20.30 - $27.41

Responsibilities:

Prepares the dental operatory/operating room, handles instruments and supplies, assists in the coordination and operation of the dental practice, provides support to the dental team during procedures.

Supervision and Direction Received: 

• General direction by the Sr. Operations Administrator. 
• Direct supervision by Dental Operations Supervisor, Dentist or Surgeon involved in the case.

Typical Duties: 

Patient Care (80%)

Support and assist dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

• Review patient’s chart pre-procedure; select and set-up appropriate instruments, equipment, and infection control technique for previous plan noted in medical/dental record.
• Awareness and attention to the special needs of the mentally handicapped, physically compromised or physically handicapped (i.e. cardiac patients, patients in wheelchairs, etc.)
• Patient check-in and escort to and from operatory.
• Assist dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon during procedure; anticipate instrument, supply or equipment needs during procedure.  Utilize four handed dental technique: working as a team with the dentist, pass and receive instruments; with the left hand pick-up and pass the next instrument in a “ready” position using one of several grasps (pen grasp, palm grasp, palm-thumb grasp, etc.) and at the same time receive the used instrument in the crook of the small finger of the left hand, the right hand is used for retracting the patient’s cheek or tongue, operating the oral vacuum evacuating equipment or applying water and air to the field of operation.
• Set-up appropriate equipment for IV sedation and nitrous oxide cases utilizing specialized equipment such as the Dinamapp and pulse oximeter.

Expose, develop, mount and label routine and specialized radiographs.

• Requires knowledge and application of safety precautions for the patient and staff during radiation.
• Requires knowledge of acceptable parameters of radiation for each exposure.
• Requires knowledge and skill necessary to use various specialized equipment, i.e. Panorex, Rinn System.
• Requires knowledge of proper angulation and bisecting technique for use with Panorex and Rinn System.
• Requires ability to correctly identify anatomy on each x-ray in order to mount each film in the correct sequence.

Following the patient appointment, complete required laboratory work such as pouring denture, partials, and crown models, making bite guards for TMJ patients, setting up fluoride trays for preventive therapy.

Support and assist in research; Salivary Dysfunction Center

• Measure and weigh samples using precision scale
• Document and label each sample
• Split saliva samples and place in appropriate storage for research.
• Complete pre-op survey, prepare for and assist in lip biopsies, and provide supplies per dentist’s instructions.

Prepare for operating room.

• Before the procedure assess all equipment (i.e. cavitron), dental adec units and nitrogen tank for proper operation.
• Check dental OR cart to ensure it is properly stocked; select appropriate supplies and equipment necessary for the particular needs of the scheduled procedures.
• Assemble dental adec unit, nitrogen tank and OR cart in the operating room.  Maintain for immediate use.

In the operating room.

• Assist the general dentist.
• Select and lay out the sterile instruments and supplies.
• Maintain aseptic technique.
• Anticipate and pass instruments as needed.
• Suction and retract during procedure.
• Develop and mount x-rays.
• Prepare specialized items, as needed, i.e. amalgam.

Environmental Support (10%)

• Clean and disinfect operatories after each procedure.
• Instrument cleaning and sterilization.
• Dispose of hazardous waste and toxic chemicals.
  • Hazard tag required
  • Schedule pick-up from biohazard
• Prepare dental operatory, stock, sterilize, disinfect, and maintain.
• Arrange and coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Quality Assurance
  • Check and document instruments, surgery packs, storage cabinets, operatory drawers, materials and supplies for expiration.
  • Spore test autoclaves and log results.
  • Automatic radiograph developer maintenance and documentation.
  • Monitor, review, assess and document each operatory and room for compliance with standards.
• Obtain supplies for the laboratory, organize materials and maintain a clean environment.
• Coordinate delivery of supplies with other departments i.e. housekeeping, sterile supply.
• Responsible for correct labeling and storage of samples and specimens.
• Utilize Universal Precautions in Infection Control.

Administrative and Clerical Support (10%)

• Introduce, orient, instruct dental residents:
  • New materials
  • Advanced equipment
  • Unfamiliar instruments
  • Supplies
• Assist in the orientation of new dental assistants and auxiliary staff.
• Participate in the yearly orientation of new dental residents.
• Collect data for quality assurance and other departmental studies.  Audit medial records (vital signs and sedation sheets, etc.)
• Participate on department committees as requested.
• Obtain and refile radiographs for each patient visit.
• Ensure complete documentation on each encounter form.
• Schedule laboratory tests and x-rays for patients.  Complete requisitions and assure delivery.
• Assist with inventory and provide input in regard to the need to order instruments, equipment, materials, linens and supplies.
• Document per the dentist’s instruction the health assessment, treatment planning and existing conditions of intra- and extra-oral structures in medical record during oral assessment/exam.

Qualifications: 

• Graduate of a dental assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Dental and Dental Auxiliary Education Program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prefer 1-3 years dental assistant experience
• CPR Training

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.