Dental Assistant/Radiology

Job Type:

Staff

Job Description:

Dental Assistant/Radiology for a new dental school in Joplin, Missouri. Reporting to the Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, the qualified Dental Assistant supports the Oral Health Center by delivering high-quality oral care through radiographic imaging. This role combines general chairside assistance with specific responsibilities in dental radiography, ensuring accurate imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning in compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Takes and processes high-quality dental radiographs
• Operates digital imaging equipment and ensures correct positioning for diagnostic accuracy
• Adheres to all radiographic safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure for patients, students, and staff
• Maintains radiographic equipment and troubleshoots minor issues
• Properly stores, labels, and manages patient radiographic records in compliance with HIPAA
• Maintains secure radiology exposure logs based on assigned radiation dosimeter badges
• Facilitates the delivery of clinical care within the group practice, providing clinical dental assisting duties for faculty and/ or students, when needed
• Facilitates assessment of radiology technique training for students, faculty and staff
• Performs chairside dental assisting duties to include operatory set-up and breakdown using proper infection control protocols; is comfortable and competent using electronic technology in collecting and recording patient health histories and dental charting; appropriate patient communication and management
• Works with appropriate individuals to implement and maintain the OHC’s infection control policies and procedures. Serves as role model and mentor for students for infection control policies and procedures
• Dispenses and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment in the OHC Dispensary and/or Simulation Clinic using scanning and computer technology
• Prepares, sterilizes and properly maintains dental instruments/supplies/equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions in the OHC Central Sterilization area and Simulation Clinic Dispensary
• Organizes, stores and tracks electronic inventory of dental instruments/supplies/equipment in the OHC Central Sterilization, Dispensary and/or Simulation Clinic
• Supports student clinicians and contributes to an efficient productive clinic operation and positive patient experiences
• Is competent in instrument transfer, field isolation, dental material handling for all general and specialty dental procedures performed by a general dentist; performs all procedures as allowed under the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Missouri State Dental Board, Rules Relating to Dental Assistants
• Provides support during medical emergencies
• Provides patient care support by exposing digital diagnostic images and organizing and storing those images
• Performs digital scanning and laboratory procedures under the direction of the dentist including digital intraoral and extra oral images
• Supports clinic operations, including monitoring and cleaning/disinfecting clinic operatories and support spaces;
• Reports equipment failures; maintaining/recording logs related to instrument/material/equipment dispensing
• Exhibits a professional appearance and demeanor and supports the educational mission of the clinical faculty, including role modeling and the teaching of students on how to function as a dental assistant on the dental team, both in four-handed chairside activities and in clinical operational support

Requirements

• Certificate of completion of an accredited Dental Assisting Program or at least three years of experience
• Expanded duty functions preferred
• Radiology certification highly preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law.

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