Dental Assistant at EHA Clinics

Purpose of the position 

• The job holder will assist the dentist and the dental therapist in the efficient delivery of general clinical dentistry procedures. 

What you’ll do 

• Prepare patients and dental rooms for dental procedures
• Assist the dental therapist and the dentist during their meetings  with patients
• Perform aseptic procedures and help in infection control by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments
• Setting up for all dental procedures, preparing materials, and assisting in all dental procedures
• Assisting in the management of medical and dental emergencies
• Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Collecting  and recording patient’s medical and dental histories, vital signs, and recording patient’s treatment information
• maintaining dental equipment and supply inventory inventory
• Ensure patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures as directed by the dentist or dental therapist.
• Fabricating temporary restorations and custom impressions from preliminary impressions
• Perform office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer e.g ( scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, and  billing
• Perform follow-up calls with patients.
• Perform other tasks appropriate to the post which may be allocated from time to time after prior discussion
• Participate in voluntary community health activities to promote, maintain and restore health and prevent diseases.
• Adheres to EHA Clinics’ Code of Conduct, policies and procedures as well as ethical standards of the field.
• Patient & Family Education/Support:
• Provide emotional support and measures to alleviate fear and anxiety.
• Assess patient and family readiness and identify learning needs.
• Lead/encourage multidisciplinary approach for patient’s discharge.
• Develop and implement the teaching plan utilizing the patient education
• Document patient and family education.
• Participate in voluntary community health activities to promote, maintain and restore health and prevent diseases.
• Adheres to Policies and Procedures.
• Adheres to EHA Clinics Code of Conduct as well as ethical standards of the field.

Customer Service Requirements

• Must have excellent customer service skills and communication skills
• Must be able to plan and perform daily activities in an organized manner.
• Must be kind, compassionate, dedicated, and patient.
• Must have the ability to handle different kinds of emotions as well as manage on-the-job stress.
• Must be focused, very detailed, and creative in making decisions.
• Must be physically and mentally stable to handle extended shifts as well as mental pressure and traumatic events.
• Must be able to review, analyze and respond to different situations they encounter daily.
• Must be able to think critically in adapting to change, judging situations, and taking appropriate decisions.

Key Areas of Note 

• Ensure continuing education, training and development is undertaken to meet clinical governance guidelines for Continuing Professional Development and a Personal Development Plan. 
• Keep up to date with relevant medical research, technology, and evidence-based medical practice by attending continuing education courses and professional meetings, reading journals, etc.
• Perform a variety of research and analysis tasks associated with improvement of clinical care, medical diagnosis, and treatment where appropriate.
• Audit of clinical practice and review of relevant literature. 
• Research unusual symptoms and treatment options, through consultation with physicians and other medical specialists.
• Provide literature reviews and the like; review, analyze and determine the significance of a variety of diagnostic test results

Work Experience: 

• Between One (1) and Two (2) years post College of Health Technology and progressive experience as an assistant  within the private and public sector.
• Experience working with public health and health systems is an advantage.

Qualifications & Training:

• Diploma in Dental Health Technician or Dental Surgery Technician required
• Must be registered with the Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria and registration must be up to date.