Dental Assistant

About This Role

This role involves providing comprehensive chairside assistance in all phases of dental care, supporting clinical operations, and performing dental laboratory duties. The Dental Assistant will serve as a liaison between patients, staff, students, residents, and faculty at the Dental College of Georgia.

Responsibilities

• Assist dental students, residents, and/or faculty in the treatment of patients requiring various services
• Participate in four-handed dentistry, providing chairside support with air, water, suction, and instrumentation
• Accurately mix and prepare dental materials as required
• Manage and replenish dental and specialty supplies to ensure operatories are consistently stocked
• Perform a variety of dental laboratory tasks, including pouring prosthodontic models and fabricating custom appliances
• Operate dental radiographic equipment to obtain intraoral and extraoral images
• Prepare operatories for patient treatment, ensuring appropriate instruments, materials, and equipment are laid out
• Enter clinical findings into the electronic health record and assist in scheduling follow-up appointments
• Provide dental assisting services at off-campus sites and participate in board examinations and health fairs
• Follow all published guidelines regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clinical infection control protocols

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent with one year of related experience
• OR Certified Dental Assistant and/or Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university in an applicable related field of study
• Understanding of dental terminology, procedures, and infection control protocols
• Familiarity with chairside assisting in general dentistry and various specialties
• Proficient in four-handed dentistry and the use of dental suction, retraction, and isolation techniques
• Skilled in taking and processing dental radiographs
• Capable of preparing dental materials
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Efficient in managing time, multitasking, and maintaining a clean, organized operatory

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent, or Certified Dental Assistant and/or Associate degree or higher

Nice to Have

• Graduation from a certified Dental Assisting program with three years of experience
• Previous experience mixing dental materials, taking x-rays, chairside dental assisting skills and knowledge in multiple dental disciplines

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits

Certifications