Dental Assistant Board Qualified

A Dental Assistant (Board Qualified) assists dental professionals and staff in the examination and treatment of patients and in the administration of a dental program. Work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities.

Incumbents receive moderate supervision from a technical superior. Employees in this class work a conventional workweek. Work is performed in an office where working conditions are normal. Work requires minimal physical exertion.

Assists dental staff in the examination and treatment of patients; provides chair side assistance in clinic by keeping the operating field clear, setting up sterile trays, passing instruments and per-forming related dental assistance duties.

Pulls patient's chart and, based on procedure to be conducted, receives, positions and prepares patients for examination or treatment.

Observes patient during examination and treatment for signs of discomfort or change in health.

Under the direct supervision of a dentist, applies topical anesthesia and fluoride, prepares and removes temporary crowns, applies desensitizing agent, dries root canals, and removes sutures.

Following procedure, records dental findings; instructs patients in accordance with dentist's directions; counsels clinic patients in proper dental hygiene and care; dismisses patients; cleans area and sterilizes instruments.

Gathers pre-examination information or obtains supplementary information for patient case history and registration; prepares and maintains patients' medical charts.

Obtains and assesses information from patients for billing purposes; records medical registration and encounter data in clinic computer database; completes invoice forms for patients and third party insurers; calculates charges to uninsured patients; exchanges information with patients regarding billing matters.

Maintains log of clinic activity including patient identification and disposition data in clinic computer database; collates this data for monthly, quarterly and annual statistical reports.

Maintains medical record files, including patients' medical records and records of invoices sent to third party payors.

Maintains inventory of office and medical supplies; cares for equipment; prepares requisitions.

Answers telephone inquires regarding the services provided at the dental clinic; refers callers or visitors to the proper office.

Places, exposes and develops intra-oral radiographs in accordance with State regulations; mixes materials, and pours and trims models for study molds for mouth impressions.

Monitors dental clinic complaints with O.S.H.A. (Office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations for infection control.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the fundamentals and techniques of dental assistance.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and charting practices.
• Knowledge of dental billing practices.
• Knowledge of the techniques for taking and developing oral radiographs.
• Skill in performing dental assisting duties.
• Ability to complete patient invoice and third-party payor forms.
• Ability to collate statistical data.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to prepare and maintain dental records.
• Ability to place, expose and develop intra-oral radiographs.
• Ability to exercise tact and judgement in dealing with a variety of dental patients and staff.
• Ability to monitor compliance with O.S.H.A. (Office of Safety and Health Administration) regulations.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinic records.

The City of Baltimore offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our benefits here: 

https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Have two years of experience as a dental assistant.

About Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD)

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