Dental Assistant III

07-Feb-2024

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

64869BR

Job Summary

The Dental Assistant III supports all aspects of dentistry and will be assigned to support several of the following areas including: oral diagnosis and new patient intake, radiology, restorative dentistry, general dentistry, implant dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, pain management, and IV sedation. As part of a team, they ensure a total quality experience (for patient, provider, and fellow team members). They are responsible for fostering an environment of quality control—taking ownership and responding to any issues as they arise and escalating to the manager as needed. 

Position Description

Essential Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1.    Performs chairside assisting and all aspects of four-handed dentistry, operatory and wet lab maintenance, and upkeep/standardization of supplies and room equipment.
2.    Independently takes/mounts digital and diagnostic quality x-rays, FMX series, Pan and Cephs—per provider and Tx plan.
3.    Independently completes all activities associated with dental models including impression-taking, pouring, and prepping and packaging for storage or distribution to dental laboratories.
4.    Records medical histories and hard tissue charting in axiUm. At the direction of the assigned provider, updates the patient electronic health record at each visit and looks into any health alerts that arise. May also book appointments, as needed.
5.    Works collaboratively with all dental team members and plays a direct role in communication, customer service, and patient satisfaction; ensures all needs are met per appointment, and anticipates/addresses any daily obstacles with the intent of problem-solving, follow-through, and excellence.
6.    Practices the utmost infection control and aseptic techniques, irrigation, and isolation of field.
7.    Independently performs wax bites, application of topical anesthetic, suture removal, placement and removal of periodontal dressings, and provisional crowns and bridges production.
8.    Participates in teaching four-handed dentistry to various student groups at any level in their education; assists immediate supervisor in the designing and running of hands-on and presentation-style training sessions with students and faculty.

9.    Complies with all regulatory standards; diligently monitors, learns, and assumes the latest dental assisting practices and techniques through self-driven, consistent, and relevant continuing education.
10.    Maintains patient confidentiality.
11.    Performs other duties and assists in other clinical departments (e.g. Sterilization, Materials Management, front desk operations) and/or with special projects as required or assigned.
12.    Maintains a professional, visible and patient-focused demeanor within the organization.
13.    Contributes to a culture of inclusivity and respect.

Basic Qualifications

1.    Current Massachusetts Dental Assistant Licensure (BORID) and current CPR/BLS Certification.
2.    Must hold active dental certifications:

• Certified Dental Assistant (DANB) or Certified Orthodontic Assistant (DANB) 
• Current Radiology and Infection Control Certification or ability to successfully obtain these within 6 months of hire date.
• DAANCE (Oral Surgery assisting certification) or ability to successfully obtain within 1 year of hire date.

3.    Minimum of three (3) years related work experience.
4.    Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and basic technology and apps.
5.    Experience and high proficiency using electronic health records databases and/or axiUm, as well as digital dentistry.
6.    Must work well independently and as part of a team; able to model exemplary professional behavior including effective communication, tact, and follow-through.
7.    Must have experience, poise, and calm in chairside assistance for advanced prosthodontics cases and restorative procedures, as well as implants and oral surgery.
8.    Ability to prioritize, multitask, and remain composed and calm under pressure.
9.    Ability to maintain patient confidentiality to the highest degree.
10.    Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
11.    Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check at hire.

Certificates and Licenses

1.    Current Massachusetts Dental Assistant Licensure (BORID) and current CPR/BLS Certification.
2.    Must hold active dental certifications::

• Certified Dental Assistant (DANB) or Certified Orthodontic Assistant (DANB) 
• Current Radiology and Infection Control Certification or ability to successfully obtain these within 6 months of hire date.
• DAANCE (Oral Surgery assisting certification) or ability to successfully obtain within 1 year of hire date.
  

Physical Requirements

•    May be required to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
•    This position may require spending time in the clinical/lab areas.
•    Occasional overtime may be required.

Working Conditions

The primary work location for this position is Boston, MA.  In order to be on Harvard payroll, you must reside in one of the following states – CA (exempt employees only), CT, GA, IL, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT, VA, WA.  

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Additional Information

Compensation Range (hourly rate):  Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity.  Generally new hires can expect compensation between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Minimum            $29.91
Midpoint             $38.32
Maximum           $46.73

Harvard School of Dental Medicine is not able to provide visa sponsorship or work authorization for this opportunity.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:  We are dedicated to being a community within which self-respect and mutual respect are understood and practiced, HSDM believes that compassion, fairness, and trust are fundamental values that enable our individual and collective well-being. We recognize the diversity of individuals within the community to be an essential ingredient to an inspiring, vigorous, and exciting culture. And we recognize that ethics and integrity provide the framework for all of our efforts.  HSDM Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403050 Dental Assistant III

Department

Harvard Dental Center Clinical Operations

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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