1. Routine workload will be in response to government demand in the form of a Dental Officer 
prescription and the regularly scheduled dental checkups and maintenance program of all residents. 
Primary workload is a result of appointments for outpatient and inpatient clients in response to 
the dental clinic's approved dental treatment schedule.

2. The work environment involves risks typically associated with the performance of clinical dental 
procedures. The health care worker will maintain the concept of universal precautions.

3. The Dental Assistant is responsible for a full range of dental assistant procedures in support 
of the Dental Office: examinations, delivery of treatment under the "four handed dentistry" format 
within the personnel and equipment capabilities and limitations imposed by the Dental Assistant 
Practice Acts, or similar regulations, of the state of the facility. Additionally; the Dental 
Assistant shall aid in the provision, and within the limitations imposed by the Dental Assistant 
Practice Acts, or similar regulations, of the State where services provided, of mandated dental 
surveillance and preventive services and the quality and timeliness of treatment records and 
reports required to document procedures performed and care provided. The Dental Assistant shall 
refer patients who present with a complaint to staff dentists for evaluation and continuation of 
care and shall attend multidisciplinary treatment team meetings on behalf of the dental officers.

4. To treat all Active Duty beneficiaries presented for care.

5. Actual Dental Assistant clinical activity will be a function of the overall demand for dental 
assistant services. Dental Assistant productivity is expected to be comparable to that of other 
dental assistants assigned to the same facility and authorized the same scope of practice.

6. Provide for the examination, treatment, and disposition of patients compatible with the Dental 
Clinic's operating capacity and equipment.

7. Coordinate with other health care departments and the clinic staff to provide complete care to 
patients.

8. Provide training to staff for routine dental assistant activities and procedures so that the 
benefit of routine care can be accrued.

9. Maintain patient records in accordance with external accreditation organizations and established 
Coast Guard dental records maintenance requirements.

10. Select and arrange instruments and prepare setups for patient treatment.

11. Assist during patient examination and treatment.

12. Assist during administration of anesthesia.

13. Assist in placement and removal or sutures.

14. Instruct in basic oral hygiene care.

15. Prepare restorative and impression materials.

16. Dispose of contaminated waste in accordance with the standard procedures of the Dental clinic.

17. Load and unload radiographic film cassettes.

18. Expose bitewing, periapical and occlusal film utilizing bisecting angle or paralleling 
radiographic techniques.

19. Perform radiographic darkroom procedures to include manual and automatic film processing.

20. The Dental Assistant shall maintain his or her operatory to meet the clinic's standards, and 
may be assigned other duties as directed by the Clinic Administrator.

21. Inventory medicine and drug stocks to ensure adequate supplies and controls.

22. Greets and receives patients and directs them to appropriate care.

23. Receives and screens telephone calls.

24. Files and maintains Healthcare records.

25. Files healthcare reports in health records.

26. Maintains the Health Record checkout file.

27. Inputs daily patient information into Clinic's healthcare information systems.

28. Schedules and tracks consultations for specialty care.

29. Maintains referral log and notifies patients of appointments.

30. Reviews and verifies patient eligibility for care in accordance with Defense Eligibility 
Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) computer system guidelines.

31. Prepare and submit appropriate documentation as specified in applicable regulations.

32. Provides immediate evaluation and management of emergent problems as they
occur in addition to regular scheduled appointments.