Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants are responsible for providing hands-on support to Dentists and completing prep work so they can more efficiently care for patients. Their duties include completing intake paperwork and updating patient records, sterilizing and organizing dental tools and assisting during dental procedures.
Duties / Responsibilities
- Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed
- Collects and records patient's health history, takes and records vital signs
- Follows proper infection control protocols for the practice
- Provides active chairside assistance - transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist's needs
- Manages the patient during dental procedures
- At the conclusion of the procedure, assists patients, clears operatories of instruments and other materials; follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
- Cleans and sterilizes all instruments; helps to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
- Proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with dental department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulations
- Prepares, maintains and sterilizes dental instruments, supplies and equipment
- Performs, monitors and records all sterilization activities
- Maintains inventory / supplies and places orders
- Helps to manage patient flow in clinic
- Prepares dental materialscements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
- Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions
- Assists with dental charting as appropriate
- Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
- Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards and custom tray
- Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently
- Pours models, properly trim models, polish dental prostheses, make vac-u-press forms
- Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility
- Monitors the flow of laboratory cases
- Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
- Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks operatories
- Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow
- Maintains and inventories dental supplies and re-orders as necessary; tracks and verifies invoices
- Performs miscellaneous duties within the Dental Program as assigned
- Excellent telephone skills. Makes and receives calls consistent with dental matters, clinic business and patient care.
- Patient registration, cancelation and re-scheduling of appointments, using EMR system
- Ability to drive a Mobile Dental Unit (No special license required)
- An acceptable safe driving record per insurance standard
- Ability to recognize vehicle maintenance needs
- Punctuality and Attendance : This is an essential job duty for CCCHC's employees given the impact on patients.
- All duties as assigned.
Behavioral Qualities
Ability to foster a cooperative work environmentEffective verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work independently with a minimum of supervisionResponds constructively to pressure situations and time limitsAccepts and offers guidance and supervision as appropriateAttends and participates in staff meetings to review team progress in meeting financial and productivity goals for the dental programProfessional, pleasant and effective representation of the organizationPlaces a high value on personal and departmental performance excellenceAdheres to office dress code and standards of behaviorMaintains patient confidentialityMental Demands :
Tactful, Diplomatic, EmpatheticCommunicate effectively and tactfully with patients, managers and other levels of personnel, in person and on the telephone.Pay close attention to detail.Organize and schedule work effectively.Handle multiple tasks.Work in a fast-paced environment.Working Conditions and Physical Demands :
Work involves exposure to unusual elements such as unpleasant odors and / or loud noisesModerate physical activity. Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and / or walking for most the dayWill work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA trainingWork environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipmentGeneral medical office activities - walking, standing, sitting, talking, lifting, typing, etc.Education / Licensure Requirements :
Valid CA licenseCurrent CPR / AED certificationValid X-ray certificateBilingual English / Spanish is preferredCentral City Community Health Center offers a dynamic work environment with competitive salaries and benefits. Central City Community Health Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Central City complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.