Dental Assistant (Safety)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: SU52
Class Code: 7914
Established: 09/06/2000
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under the direction of a dentist, to assist him/her in the dental and related work of a dental office; and to do other related work.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This class is distinguished from other Dental Assistant classifications by the custody requirements imposed by the forensic nature of the patients in the State hospitals and the security features of these facilities.
Typical Tasks
Makes appointments for patients; prepares and arranges dental instruments, equipment, and accessories; sterilizes and cares for dental instruments; keeps a sufficient amount of dental supplies available; keeps dental records of patients; assists dentist at the chair; keeps the dental office and equipment neat, clean, and sanitary; assists in the taking and developing of dental x-rays; assists in the dental laboratory; instructs patients in proper practices of dental hygiene and prophylaxis; accounts for dental instruments and equipment that could be used by patients as weapons; and observes and intervenes in patient behavior that could lead to injury of patients, employees, or the general public.
Minimum Qualifications
One year of experience as a dental assistant. (Training in a school for dental assistants may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of three months of training being equal to six months of experience.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles and methods of sterilization; uses of the more common dental instruments, equipment, and materials; dental hygiene and prophylaxis; dental office procedures and principles of modern dental record keeping; techniques used in dental x-ray; names of the teeth and various surfaces of the crown of the tooth.
Ability to: Read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; identify the more common dental instruments, equipment, and materials; mix amalgam and prepare dental accessories; stand for long periods of time; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; follow directions.
Special Personal Characteristics
Sympathetic understanding of patients and inmates of State institutions; tact; neat personal appearance; and freedom from communicable diseases.
Additional Desirable Qualification
Education equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.
Special Physical Characteristics
Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful and emergency situations encountered on the job without endangering the health and well-being of the incumbent, fellow employees, patients, or the public.
