DENTAL ASSISTANT 2607

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under direct supervision, an employee in this class performs paraprofessional duties to assist Dentists and Dental Hygienists in County operated clinics. Work is performed so that professional personnel may devote more time to professional duties. Work is supervised by the professional in charge. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Greets patients as they enter clinic, explains clinic procedures and assists patients in filling out forms;

Seats patients and prepares them for the Dentist or Dental Hygienist;

Assists Dentists and/or Dental Hygienists by setting up instruments, passing instruments, and keeping oral operating area clear during dental procedures by use of suction devices, water sprays, cotton rolls, holders and by retraction of cheek and tongue;

Sterilizes instruments, stores sterilized instruments and maintains asepsis during storage; keeps clinical area clean;

Mixes and prepares restoration material;

Takes and develops dental X ray films as directed by the Dentist;

Makes appointments for patients; assists in maintaining patients' dental records and prepares statistical reports of clinic attendance;

Maintains inventory of dental supplies and notifies supervisors when to reorder.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of dental office policies and procedures; knowledge of dental terminology, dental instruments and equipment and their applicability and uses; skill in the use of suction devices, water sprays, cotton rolls and holders; ability to deal effectively with patients in a tactful and courteous manner; ability to work well with patients with manual dexterity and attentiveness to detail; ability to maintain records and prepare simple reports; ability to follow oral and written instructions; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either:

(a) Completion of an approved Dental Assistant's course; or,

(b) One (1) year full time experience working as a Dental Assistant.

08/31/73

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Non Competitive