Dental Assistant

NATURE & SCOPE

The Dental Assistant will be responsible for routine non-professional work rendering general assistance to a Dentist and Dental Nurse attached to a Dental Clinic. Work is performed under the supervision of a Dentist and Dental Nurse who reviews work through observation with periodic visits by the Head of the Unit 

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Dental Assistant:

• Assists Dentist and Dental Nurse during treatment of patients
• Confirms dental and medical histories from patients
• Mixes complex materials required for fillings for Dentist and Dental Nurse
• Provides preventative and dietary counseling and demonstrates proper brushing and flossing techniques
• Counsels patients before/during procedures and provides post-extraction instructions
• Takes and develops radiographs (dental)
• Charts patients' teeth and maintains dental records
• Cleans/sterilizes instruments and prepares clinic for use
• Schedules appointments for Dentist/Dental Nurse clinics
• Assists with school oral health workshops
• Manages inventory (stock checks, requisitions, and record-keeping)
• Prepares monthly reports on work output
• Performs CPR and First Aid when needed
• Reports equipment malfunctions to relevant departments
• Assembles gauze packs and cotton swabs
• Conducts blood pressure tests for adult patients
• Performs related duties as required

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Basic dental anatomy, sterilization, and instrument knowledge
• Ability to learn through in-service training
• Report-writing and record-keeping skills
• Ability to explain oral hygiene instructions clearly
• Strong interpersonal skills with staff and patients
• Emergency response skills (e.g., fainting/collapse protocols)

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Certificate in Dental Surgery Assistant from an accredited school
• Three (3) O’Level subjects (including Math and English A)
• Minimum 1 year of dental field experience

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Not applicable

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Dentist
• Primary Care Physician II
• Dental Nurse
• Primary Health Care Services Administrative Officer
• All Health Facility Staff

External:

• Patients
• School Principals
• Dental supply companies
• Contractors