Mountain West HERC

This position works as part of a team with the Dentist, dental hygienist and front office staff to make the dental site efficient.  The position will receive and prepare patients for dental treatments and provided assistance to the Dentist in rendering dental services. 

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. Six (6 months) of work experience in dental assisting comparable to that performed at the Dental Assistant I level of this series.
2. Graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting School.
3. Current Certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board, if required by the employing institution.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's)

1. Knowledge and techniques needed in dental procedures and medicine pertaining to dental assistance (e.g., knowledge of four-handed dentistry).
2. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
3. Knowledge of computers to input data, access information, and/or create materials and documents using a variety of clinical software applications.
4. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
5. Ability to perform functions of administrative and clerical procedures managing files and records, designing forms, and managing inventory.
6. Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
7. Skill in interpersonal verbal and written communication.
8. Ability to build rapport with patients.
9. Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
10. Ability to remain continuously on task for several hours while sitting, standing, or moving.
11. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when speaking with patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
12. Ability to help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures; communicates appropriately and positively to guide and re-assure patients.

Condition of Employment 

Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date. 

About Southern Illinois University - School of Medicine

SIU School of Medicine was established in 1970 with a mission to educate physicians for central and southern Illinois. We are a medical school with four areas of excellence: medical education, patient care, research and community service. SIU School of Medicine provides education to undergraduate medical students, medical and surgical residents, fellows, and physician assistant students. Our clinical practice, SIU Medicine, includes a team of more than 250 health care professionals including university physicians and faculty members who are collectively dedicated to providing excellent medical care, advancement of care through research, and training the next generation of physicians. As the premier provider of health care services, SIU Medicine offers both primary care and specialized treatment services including preventative and diagnostic. SIU works in partnership with hospitals and clinics throughout central and southern Illinois to meet the health care needs of our communities.

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