Dental Assistant 1

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $18.44 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general supervision, the Dental Assistant 1 will assist the faculty and resident dentists in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) clinic in treating patients with cases that are complex or patients that are medically compromised.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide chair-side dental assistance for the faculty and residents of the department. Review patient schedule to determine efficient use of staff¿s time. Take and develop radiographs. Provide proper sterilized instruments for residents. (25%)
• Sterilize all instruments and equipment. Responsible for cleaning instruments and taking instruments and equipment to central sterilization for processing. Responsible for cleanliness/readiness of the clinic. Prepare clinic for the day¿s schedule, including setting up clinical area, supplies, and instruments. After procedures are completed, clean and sterilize cubicles as required. Stock supplies in clinic/cubicles as needed. (15%)
• Assist in performing dental charting for patients. Responsible for reviewing charts and preparing lab cases. Maintain records of laboratory work orders. Notify lab when cases are ready for pick up. (10%)
• Assist with student/resident training during orientation session regarding clinical procedures including maintenance of sterility. Report student/resident violations to Department Chair or Clinical Director for assessment. (10%)
• Coordinate patient admitting procedures. Obtain patient records, radiographs, and models. (10%)
• Check equipment to ensure that it is in good working order. Report/record all repair orders. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitor/re-order dental and office supplies as needed. Monitor all dental and office supplies usage. Prepare pre-requisition to re-order materials and supplies as needed. Obtain proper authorization. (5%)
• Order, distribute and account for medications. Prepare pre-requisition to re-order medications. Distribute the medications to the residents and doctors. Track and account for all medications. This accounting will be reconciled to the number of cases needing medications. Records will be kept on file for audit purposes. (5%)
• Mix chemicals that are needed on a case-by-case basis. (5%)
• Serve as back-up and lunch receptionist. (2.5%)
• Make appointments, answer patient calls, and make confirming patient calls. (2.5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with dispensary staff, receptionists, graduate department specialty clinics and clinical instructors to maintain workflow. Department chair on an as needed basis.

University: Infrequent contact.

External: Continuous contact with patients daily. University Hospitals residency program as it relates to AEGD resident¿s rotation. Insurance companies and vendors as needed.

Students: Continuous contact with graduate students as it relates to daily patient care.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct supervision and training of interns with regard to department policy and procedures. This includes patient assignment as well as other duties during daily operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: A minimum of 3 months to 1-year dental assisting experience required.

Education/Licensing: High School education required. Dental Assistant certification. Current radiology license. Annual CPR certification.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Basic knowledge of computer software.
• Basic knowledge of insurance codes and forms.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
• Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This work is performed in a clinical setting and requires general knowledge of chemicals, blood borne pathogens and lab safety. May be required to use personal protective equipment, including standard lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses when appropriate.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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