Dental Assistant I

Job Description

Dental Assistant I | University of Louisville School of Dentistry

The Tone:
The University of Louisville School of Dentistry is a leading institution dedicated to excellence in dental education, research, and patient care. This role is situated within our graduate specialty dental practice, where you will collaborate closely with experienced dental providers, students, and a diverse patient population. Your work as a Dental Assistant I is crucial for maintaining the high standards of our clinical environment and directly supports the delivery of advanced dental treatments. This position plays a vital part in ensuring efficient clinical workflow, patient comfort, and the overall success of our specialized practice area.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full time
• Team: Works within a graduate specialty dental practice area, reporting to a supervisor.
• Mission: Facilitates smooth clinical operations, supports dental providers, and ensures comprehensive patient care within the practice.
• Tech Stack: axiUm, Motion view

What You’ll Actually Do
• Support Advanced Procedures: Provide comprehensive chairside assistance to dental providers during a variety of complex graduate specialty dental procedures, facilitating treatment and ensuring patient comfort throughout their visit.
• Manage Patient Care & Education: Systematically prepare operatories with necessary instruments and supplies, instruct patients on proper oral hygiene and crucial post-treatment care, and monitor vital signs to ensure patient well-being.
• Maintain Clinical Operations: Diligently review and maintain accurate patient charts, assist with initial patient screenings, and expertly manage dental emergencies following established protocols to ensure a safe and organized clinic environment.
• Oversee Supply & Inventory: Proactively manage and forward supply requests, maintain meticulous inventory control, order all outside dental supplies from vendors, and ensure all cubicles are consistently stocked and readily available.
• Implement Infection Control & Lab Duties: Efficiently receive and prepare contaminated instruments for sterilization, distribute sterilized trays, meticulously set up and tear down operatories following strict infection control guidelines, clean dental equipment, and perform various assigned laboratory duties, including scanning orthodontic models into axiUm using Motion view for electronic records.

The Must-Haves
• Background: High school diploma or GED; completion of a formal dental assisting training program and externship is also acceptable.
• Experience: Minimum of six months of dental assisting experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.
• Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in chairside dental assisting, operatory management, dental instrument sterilization, infection control protocols, and supply inventory management. CPR certification is also required.