Description:
Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.
The dental assistant supports the planning, treatment, evaluation and education of the dental patient under the direct supervision of the dental residents and attending dentist. In addition to chair side exams and treatments, the dental assistant performs front desk duties such as scheduling appointments, and maintains supplies and equipment.
Responsibilties:
A day in the life of a Dental Assistant at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:
- Take vital signs, review chief complaint and take appropriate x-rays. Assist the dentist in all aspect of 4 handed dentistry and charting. Prepare the operatory for various dental procedures as indicated by the dentist. Sign and witness all consents. Be present in the operatory as much as possible while dental care is being provided. Dispose all dental waste in appropriate containers and bags. Follow all policies as it relates to patient ID, Universal Protocol, Infection Control, etc. Uses Dentrix appropriately. Prepare lab slips and log, and call for pick up.
- Perform monthly inventory check. Keep operatory stocked at all times. Responsible for ordering and maintaining all dental supplies, material and equipment. Report all broken instrument and equipment to the dental Director and keep it segregated until repaired. Correctly document and dispose all expired medications and dental supplies. Obtain medical and dental supplies from central distribution. Obtain prescription pads from the Pharmacy department.
- Properly spray, scrub and disinfect all dental instrument of any debris. Maintain a sterilization log and transport all cassettes and instruments to Central sterilization. Disinfect and wipe down all dental equipment and operatory using hospital provided wipes and disinfectants. Use barriers and other personal protective equipment (glasses, mask, gloves, shield and gown). Maintain a neat and clean operatory. Maintain and update MSDS
- Take appropriate, diagnostic x-rays using the standard radiologic precautions. Accurately mount and label the x-rays. Maintain the panorex, x-ray units, scan-x system and accessories (phosphor plates, XCPS and barrier envelopes).
- Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
- Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.
Qualifications:
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of dental assistant experience.
- Computer knowledge.
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
- Graduate of an accredited dental assistant program.
- Experience with digital x-rays.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- Dental Radiology License.
If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!
