GOT-IT

Dental Assnt

Grade 08

New York State has approximately 223 positions* in this title statewide. You may view a breakdown of positions by county. This position exists in various agencies statewide. View links to all New York State agencies including agencies that have this title. For more information, New York State employees can contact the Career Mobility Office at (518) 485-6199 or (800) 553-1322. If you are not a current New York State employee, you can use the Department of Civil Service Web site to explore possible employment opportunities.

*The number of positions is approximate and represents the number of positions established (both filled and vacant); it is not an indication or reference to position type or duration, or intent to be filled. If you are viewing a trainee title, please note this number reflects the number of positions established at the journey level. Agencies may fill at the trainee level(s) or at the journey level based on employee qualifications. GOT-IT does not provide information on any job postings or job availability. For information on current job postings, please visit State Jobs NY. You may also visit specific New York State Agency websites for information about an agency and its job opportunities.

Career Ladder

A listing of titles that are most commonly used as steps for upward mobility for this title series. The salary schedule for this career ladder is also available.

  1. Dental Assnt

    Grade 08

  2. Dental Assnt Manual Communications

    Grade 08

  3. Senr Dental Assnt

    Grade 10

Summary of Job Description

As a Dental Assistant, you would:

Perform dental supportive services under a licensed dentist's direct supervision.

Note treatments to be performed during appointment and prepare work area by laying out dental instruments, materials, and equipment in proper array.

Prepare the patient for treatment by seating patient, obtaining records, and applying protective garb.

During the performance of treatment services by the dentist, assist the dentist directly chair-side with the anticipation of procedural needs, including the preparation and passing of appropriate instruments and materials.

As required by the progress of events in treatment and as instructed by the dentist, personally perform retractions of the patient's tongue and cheek, and manipulate syringes, irrigation and suction equipment to keep the patient's mouth free of saliva and blood.

Continually observe patient's general condition during treatment, including oral surgery, to detect evidence of distress or shock and reports observations to dentist.

Take dental x-rays in accordance with Public Health Law.

Perform solely mechanical work upon inert matter in a dental office, such as trimming or mounting impressions taken by the dentist.

Perform office support and clerical work to meet the requirements of the dental facility.

Schedule, post and track appointments, clinic dates and times, and treatments using appropriate computer software.

Post and file records, such as records of appointments and clinical records of patients conditions and treatments administered, in accordance with requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Answer questions from and provide information to various parties regarding facility activities and procedures.

Prepare or assist others in the preparation of routine dental reports.

Perform light housekeeping tasks following current infection control and OSHA guidelines.

Decontaminate, scrub, package, and sterilize all instruments*.

Inventory packages and cartons of dental supplies and materials and reorder supplies as directed by the dentist to maintain sufficient inventory for facility operations.

Dispose of used materials and supplies in accordance with medical-waste disposal regulations and protocols, and processes contaminated non-disposable items as directed by the dentist.

Clean, dust, and polish fixtures, furniture, and equipment in the dental facility.

*Incumbents of positions that perform sterilization duties may be required to possess current certification by a nationally accredited central sterile technician credentialing organization as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician, or a substantially equivalent credential.

View the classification standard for this title, on the Classification and Compensation webpage.

The NYS Title and Salary Plan provides additional information regarding other titles. If there is a classification standard available there will be a link under the column labeled STD. NO. If no link is available there is no classification standard available at this time for that title.

Summary of Minimum Qualifications

Please note: qualifications for this position may be subject to change. If substitutions for education and/or experience are allowed, this information would be available on the announcement.

This title is non-competitive.  No examination is necessary.  However, you must still meet the Minimum Qualifications of the position.

Candidates must have a High School diploma; AND either one year of experience in dental assisting or graduation from an accredited program in dental assisting.

How to Apply

An examination is not used to fill this title. You must meet the minimum qualifications of the title in order to be considered for this position. You must apply directly to the agency or agencies that have this title.

Career Mobility

Career mobility is not just limited to the titles in the Career Ladder, above. Additional movement may be achieved through other examinations, additional education and/or work experience. For additional information or clarification, current State employees should contact the Career Mobility Office. Visit ELMS Online to view established open-competitive, promotion, and transition eligible lists. If you are not a current New York State employee, see Employment Opportunities with New York State and find out how to become a New York State employee.

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