Los Angeles Community College District

Schedules and monitors the use of one or more dental hygiene laboratories and assists students to improve their knowledge of dental hygiene and skill in performing the associated clinical procedures of a dental clinic.

Schedules and oversees the use of equipment, supplies, and facilities in one or more dental hygiene laboratories.

Assists students in the proper and safe operation of a wide variety of dental equipment, such as dental units, x-ray machines, digital radiology, nitrous oxide analgesia, intra-oral cameras, ultrasonic scalers, air compressors and vacuum systems, and sterilization units including Miele disinfectant machines.

Sets up supplies and equipment and assists in conducting classroom demonstrations.

Serves as a resource to students and instructional staff during laboratory sessions.

Explains to students established instructional laboratory and equipment policies and ensures student compliance with lab policies, procedures, and safety precautions.

Issues and receives materials and equipment for student use in laboratory and classroom assignments; keeps records and effects the return of materials and equipment checked out to students.

Maintains reference books and other resource materials in the dental hygiene program.

Assists instructors in the design and development of instructional and study aids.

Advises instructional staff of common problems encountered and progress being made by students using a laboratory as part of their educational program.

Maintains and makes minor adjustments and repairs to clinic units and radiology developing equipment.

Maintains Material Safety Data Sheets for dental chemicals and products, as well as other records for supplies and equipment; prepares requisitions as needed.

Receives, inspects, stores, and secures supplies and equipment and keeps storerooms and working areas orderly and clean.

Maintains records of student attendance and laboratory utilization statistics.

May participate with faculty in the evaluation of student study skills competencies.

May administer written examinations.

May provide training and work direction to student employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

An Instructional Assistant, Dental Hygiene, applies knowledge of principles, procedures and techniques of dental hygiene in assisting students and faculty with instructional assignments, and is responsible for the day-to-day scheduling and operations of one or more dental hygiene laboratories.

Instructional Assistants in other academic disciplines are responsible for the day-to-day operations of instructional laboratories and apply their specialized knowledge to a broad range of duties related to the day-to-day operations of their academic departments.

General supervision is received from an academic supervisor. Functional supervision is received from instructional staff. Work direction may be provided to clerical staff and student employees.

Knowledge of:

Current concepts, principles, and practices of dental hygiene

Principles of infection control and sterilization

Medical and dental terminology

Capabilities and features of equipment used in a dental hygiene laboratory

Specialized computer software used in the dental hygiene and allied health professions

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware common to instructional laboratories

Recordkeeping procedures

Skill in:

Operating a wide variety of dental hygiene equipment

Ability to:

Explain and demonstrate dental hygiene concepts, practices and procedures to students

Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines

Effectively utilize computer hardware and software

Follow complex instructions and procedures

Work effectively, cooperatively, and collaboratively with faculty, staff and students

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Take initiative and work independently

Give clear and concise instructions

Keep detailed and accurate records

Learn to operate and train students in the operation of equipment found in an instructional laboratory

Education and Experience:

A. An associate degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university with a major in dental hygiene, dental assisting, or a related field.

OR

B. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND two years of recent, full-time, paid experience in a dental office which must have included sterilization and other clinically assistive/back-office duties.

Special:

A Certified Dental Assistant or California Registered Dental Assistant credential is desirable.