Dental Assistant
University System of Georgia, Atlanta, GA, United States
Job Title: Dental Assistant
Location: Augusta University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 294710
Job Summary
Performs comprehensive chairside assisting in all phases of dental care, including emergency dentistry, restorative procedures, pediatrics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, implant surgeries, and periodontics. Supports clinical operations through preventive and routine maintenance of dental operatories and equipment; operates radiographic equipment and completes required radiological procedures; performs clerical tasks and front‑desk functions to support patient intake and scheduling. Executes laboratory duties such as pouring and trimming molds and fabricating custom dental appliances. Serves as liaison among patients, staff, students, residents, and faculty to facilitate effective communication, workflow coordination, and continuity of care within the Dental College.
Responsibilities
Assist dental students, residents, and/or faculty in the treatment of patients requiring emergency, restorative, prosthodontic, periodontic, endodontic, or oral surgery services.
Participate in four‑handed dentistry, providing chairside support with air, water, suction, and instrumentation.
Accurately mix and prepare dental materials as required.
Assist in managing challenging clinical situations, including apprehensive or pre‑medicated adult patients.
Aid in the placement of rubber dams and preparation of local anesthetic syringes; properly dispose of sharps immediately after patient discharge.
Utilize a mouth mirror for indirect vision and gentle retraction of the patient’s cheek, maintaining comfort and avoiding unnecessary pressure on oral tissues.
Operate high‑volume evacuation equipment with care and precision, ensuring suction remains stable during handpiece use.
Comply with all published guidelines regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and clinical infection control protocols.
Maintain awareness of material safety reports and properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials.
Manage and replenish dental and specialty supplies to keep operatories stocked.
Maintain assigned operatories in a clean, organized, and fully functional state throughout the day.
Ensure equipment is cleaned and maintained in proper operative condition daily.
Prepare, package, and maintain dental instruments and equipment in accordance with infection control protocols, coordinating with Central Sterilization for timely processing and retrieval.
Perform dental laboratory tasks, including pouring prosthodontic models, cleaning and trimming models, boxing and waxing impressions, and fabricating custom appliances.
Construct custom trays, night guards, mouth guards, bleaching trays, and bite rims.
Polish dentures and prosthodontic appliances to ensure proper finish and patient comfort.
Takes and mounts face‑bow records to achieve proper occlusion for cast restorations.
Relies dentures using both hard and soft reline materials as needed for clinical adjustments.
Operate dental radiographic equipment to obtain intraoral and extraoral images as requested.
Explain radiographic procedures clearly to patients to ensure understanding and cooperation.
Properly position and secure lead aprons and collars during imaging.
Process, review, and upload radiographs into the patient’s electronic record system.
Prepare operatories for patient treatment, ensuring instruments, materials, and equipment are laid out according to procedural requirements.
Seat and drape patients, explaining upcoming procedures to ensure understanding and comfort.
Assist with surgical operatories, including proper draping to maintain a sterile environment.
Assist with clinical documentation by entering findings into the electronic health record and updating patient histories.
Assist in scheduling follow‑up appointments to support continuity of care.
Provide support across departmental areas as needed to ensure smooth clinical and academic operations.
Assist with fabrication of instructional materials for pre‑clinical courses.
Provide dental assisting services at off‑campus sites, traveling with personal transportation with mileage reimbursed.
Participate in board examinations and certification events throughout the year, including weekend assignments.
Assist with health fairs, community outreach, screenings, and distribution of educational materials.
Follow all published guidelines for PPE, infection control, hazardous material disposal, and institutional emergency response protocols.
Prepare to administer basic emergency support until professional medical personnel arrive.
Perform all other duties as assigned by DCG Operations management.
Required Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Graduation from a certified Dental Assisting program with at least three years of experience, including prior experience mixing dental materials, taking x‑rays, chairside assisting, and knowledge across multiple dental disciplines.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge
Understanding of dental terminology, procedures, and infection control protocols.
Familiarity with chairside assisting in general dentistry and specialties such as oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics.
Working knowledge of dental instruments, materials, and sterilization techniques.
Basic knowledge of radiographic techniques and safety protocols.
Awareness of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality standards.
Understanding of dental charting systems and electronic health records.
Skills
Proficient with four‑handed dentistry, dental suction, retraction, and isolation techniques.
Skilled in taking and processing dental radiographs.
Capable of preparing dental materials such as amalgam, impression materials, and cements.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with patients, students, and dental professionals.
Efficient in time management, multitasking, and maintaining a clean, organized operatory.
Abilities
Remain calm, focused, and effective in fast‑paced or stressful clinical situations.
Follow complex instructions accurately and anticipate the dentist’s needs during procedures.
Accommodate varying dentist styles and adapt quickly to changing procedures and clinical needs.
Work independently with minimal supervision on routine duties.
Maintain confidentiality and exhibit sound judgment when handling patient information.
Shift / Salary / Benefits
Shift: Days, Monday‑Friday
Pay Band: B3
Salary: Minimum $16.54 per hour – Midpoint $17.25 per hour; compensation commensurate with qualifications within the established range.
Benefits available to full‑time, benefits‑eligible employees; benefits may include health, dental, life insurance; Teachers Retirement System or Optional Retirement Plan; earned vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.
Full‑time employees with more than six months of continuous employment may be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.
Recruitment period: Until filled.
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates must successfully pass a background check prior to starting.
Positions requiring trust or deck card usage may require a credit check.
Motor vehicle reports required for positions that require driving a university vehicle.
Faculty hires must provide proof of completed academic degrees and relevant coursework transcripts; foreign-qualified candidates must provide an educational credentials evaluation.
Employees must adhere to cybersecurity and privacy policies regarding sensitive information confidentiality, availability, and integrity.
Other Information
The position is responsible for promoting a customer‑friendly environment and providing superior service to patients, students, faculty, and employees. Augusta University is a patient and family‑centered care institution partnering with patients and families for success.
Augusta University is a tobacco‑free environment; the use of any tobacco product on campus or outside campus is prohibited.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is an equal‑opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
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Location: Augusta University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 294710
Job Summary
Performs comprehensive chairside assisting in all phases of dental care, including emergency dentistry, restorative procedures, pediatrics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, implant surgeries, and periodontics. Supports clinical operations through preventive and routine maintenance of dental operatories and equipment; operates radiographic equipment and completes required radiological procedures; performs clerical tasks and front‑desk functions to support patient intake and scheduling. Executes laboratory duties such as pouring and trimming molds and fabricating custom dental appliances. Serves as liaison among patients, staff, students, residents, and faculty to facilitate effective communication, workflow coordination, and continuity of care within the Dental College.
Responsibilities
Assist dental students, residents, and/or faculty in the treatment of patients requiring emergency, restorative, prosthodontic, periodontic, endodontic, or oral surgery services.
Participate in four‑handed dentistry, providing chairside support with air, water, suction, and instrumentation.
Accurately mix and prepare dental materials as required.
Assist in managing challenging clinical situations, including apprehensive or pre‑medicated adult patients.
Aid in the placement of rubber dams and preparation of local anesthetic syringes; properly dispose of sharps immediately after patient discharge.
Utilize a mouth mirror for indirect vision and gentle retraction of the patient’s cheek, maintaining comfort and avoiding unnecessary pressure on oral tissues.
Operate high‑volume evacuation equipment with care and precision, ensuring suction remains stable during handpiece use.
Comply with all published guidelines regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and clinical infection control protocols.
Maintain awareness of material safety reports and properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials.
Manage and replenish dental and specialty supplies to keep operatories stocked.
Maintain assigned operatories in a clean, organized, and fully functional state throughout the day.
Ensure equipment is cleaned and maintained in proper operative condition daily.
Prepare, package, and maintain dental instruments and equipment in accordance with infection control protocols, coordinating with Central Sterilization for timely processing and retrieval.
Perform dental laboratory tasks, including pouring prosthodontic models, cleaning and trimming models, boxing and waxing impressions, and fabricating custom appliances.
Construct custom trays, night guards, mouth guards, bleaching trays, and bite rims.
Polish dentures and prosthodontic appliances to ensure proper finish and patient comfort.
Takes and mounts face‑bow records to achieve proper occlusion for cast restorations.
Relies dentures using both hard and soft reline materials as needed for clinical adjustments.
Operate dental radiographic equipment to obtain intraoral and extraoral images as requested.
Explain radiographic procedures clearly to patients to ensure understanding and cooperation.
Properly position and secure lead aprons and collars during imaging.
Process, review, and upload radiographs into the patient’s electronic record system.
Prepare operatories for patient treatment, ensuring instruments, materials, and equipment are laid out according to procedural requirements.
Seat and drape patients, explaining upcoming procedures to ensure understanding and comfort.
Assist with surgical operatories, including proper draping to maintain a sterile environment.
Assist with clinical documentation by entering findings into the electronic health record and updating patient histories.
Assist in scheduling follow‑up appointments to support continuity of care.
Provide support across departmental areas as needed to ensure smooth clinical and academic operations.
Assist with fabrication of instructional materials for pre‑clinical courses.
Provide dental assisting services at off‑campus sites, traveling with personal transportation with mileage reimbursed.
Participate in board examinations and certification events throughout the year, including weekend assignments.
Assist with health fairs, community outreach, screenings, and distribution of educational materials.
Follow all published guidelines for PPE, infection control, hazardous material disposal, and institutional emergency response protocols.
Prepare to administer basic emergency support until professional medical personnel arrive.
Perform all other duties as assigned by DCG Operations management.
Required Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Graduation from a certified Dental Assisting program with at least three years of experience, including prior experience mixing dental materials, taking x‑rays, chairside assisting, and knowledge across multiple dental disciplines.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge
Understanding of dental terminology, procedures, and infection control protocols.
Familiarity with chairside assisting in general dentistry and specialties such as oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics.
Working knowledge of dental instruments, materials, and sterilization techniques.
Basic knowledge of radiographic techniques and safety protocols.
Awareness of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality standards.
Understanding of dental charting systems and electronic health records.
Skills
Proficient with four‑handed dentistry, dental suction, retraction, and isolation techniques.
Skilled in taking and processing dental radiographs.
Capable of preparing dental materials such as amalgam, impression materials, and cements.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with patients, students, and dental professionals.
Efficient in time management, multitasking, and maintaining a clean, organized operatory.
Abilities
Remain calm, focused, and effective in fast‑paced or stressful clinical situations.
Follow complex instructions accurately and anticipate the dentist’s needs during procedures.
Accommodate varying dentist styles and adapt quickly to changing procedures and clinical needs.
Work independently with minimal supervision on routine duties.
Maintain confidentiality and exhibit sound judgment when handling patient information.
Shift / Salary / Benefits
Shift: Days, Monday‑Friday
Pay Band: B3
Salary: Minimum $16.54 per hour – Midpoint $17.25 per hour; compensation commensurate with qualifications within the established range.
Benefits available to full‑time, benefits‑eligible employees; benefits may include health, dental, life insurance; Teachers Retirement System or Optional Retirement Plan; earned vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.
Full‑time employees with more than six months of continuous employment may be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.
Recruitment period: Until filled.
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates must successfully pass a background check prior to starting.
Positions requiring trust or deck card usage may require a credit check.
Motor vehicle reports required for positions that require driving a university vehicle.
Faculty hires must provide proof of completed academic degrees and relevant coursework transcripts; foreign-qualified candidates must provide an educational credentials evaluation.
Employees must adhere to cybersecurity and privacy policies regarding sensitive information confidentiality, availability, and integrity.
Other Information
The position is responsible for promoting a customer‑friendly environment and providing superior service to patients, students, faculty, and employees. Augusta University is a patient and family‑centered care institution partnering with patients and families for success.
Augusta University is a tobacco‑free environment; the use of any tobacco product on campus or outside campus is prohibited.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is an equal‑opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
#J-18808-Ljbffr