Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Under the clinical supervision of the dentist and the administrative supervision of the clinic manager, the Registered Dental Assistant will provide chair side assistance to the dentist in the concept of four handed dentistry and prepare patients for service delivery.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinate the preparation of reports and written documentation including patient records, as required by the department, agency, state and federal regulatory agents
• Perform a wide variety of patient care activities and assist chair side in the concept of four handed dentistry including but not limited to impressions, applying non-aerosol and topical agents, applying topical fluoride, removing post-extraction and periodontal dressing and sutures, assisting in the administration of nitrous oxide, placing and removing rubber dams, place, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative procedures, cure restorative materials in operative site with light curing device, use automated caries detection devices and materials to gather information for diagnosis by dentist. Application of pit and fissure sealants (must complete course prior to performing function).
• Place temporary sedative dressing, places bases and liners on sound dentin, remove excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument or floss, size stainless steel crowns, temporary crown and bands, fabricate temporary crowns intra-orally, perform temporary cementation and removal of temporary crowns, take bite registrations for diagnostic models for case study only and perform coronal polishing
• Maintain a smooth constant flow of patients from reception to operatories; coordinate the activities of several operatories through proper utilization of time, resources, abilities and patient needs
• Review patient records for accuracy and completeness; explain treatment recommended by the dentist in a manner that is understandable and supportive
• Prepare equipment, instruments, materials and operatories. Perform routine maintenance of equipment and restocking of materials
• Operate x-ray equipment to make complete and / or selective oral radiographic services. Process images and arrange in format as appropriate.
• Ensure the established infection control techniques are administered in accordance with department policy to maintain a safe and pleasant environment
• Maintain and submit orders to maintain an adequate inventory of forms, consumable dental supplies, equipment maintenance and other supplies as necessary
• Maintain established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards
• Participate in delivery of an integrated oral health program with other agency health services
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature review, in-service meetings and workshops
• Support the vision, mission and goals, and demonstrate a commitment to the values, of the organization
• Perform other duties as directed

C.A.R.E. Responsibilities

Consistently utilize the C.A.R.E. model of communication – Connect, Appreciate, Respond and Empower – to develop and maintain strong relationships and provide impressive customer service to patients and team members

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduate or equivalent with post High School Vocational / Specialized Training

Certification of Completion of Registered Dental Assistant Exam

Coronal Polishing Certificate

Radiation Safety Certificate

CPR Certification (including BLS Child, Infant, Adult with one-time hands-on skills training)

Operational experience with x-ray machine, sterilizing equipment, ultrasonic equipment, laboratory equipment and other dental practice related equipment

Minimum two years’ experience working as a registered dental assistant in a high volume dental practice

Bilingual English / Spanish Must be able to work with various populations whose cultural backgrounds vary

Availability and willingness to work evening and / or weekend hours when requested

Required Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Ability to provide full range of established dental assistant protocols and processes

Knowledge of the full range of professional dental duties in connection with treatment of dental diseases and dental health problems of usual difficulty

Knowledge of professional and ethical standards of health care delivery

Proven ability to put patients at ease and give clear understandable directions of treatment recommended by dentist

Skill in the management of “team” dentistry using multiple operatories and multiple auxiliaries

Knowledge of health care delivery systems and the ability to use that knowledge in assisting clients with accessing necessary health care services

Ability to provide written and verbal reports and evaluations concerning program activities, accomplishments, goals and objectives

Knowledge of the operational aspects of Medi-Cal, CHDP, private insurance and government programs which pay for dental services

Excellent verbal and written skills necessary for communication with patients / clients, clinicians and other staff

Ability to interface with all levels of personnel in a professional manner, including people of all social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and within the constraints of government funded programs

Ability and willingness to meet the organization’s attendance and dress code policies

Ability to handle confidential materials and information in a professional manner

Excellent customer service skills and commitment to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction

Experience / familiarity with computers, business e-mail, communication systems and internet search capabilities; proficient in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel

Working Conditions

Normal, climate-controlled office / remote and community clinic environment

The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of an office / clinical setting, e.g., practice use of work safety in using equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations, use of universal infection control precautions, etc

Noisy environment : Small indoor room with noisy clinic activities and high pitched sounds

Noise from dental equipment, ultrasonic scalers, dental handpieces, high / low volume suctions and others; may use noise filtering ear plugs

General clinical environment with frequent exposure to patients with infectious diseases, chemicals, blood-borne pathogens, patient body fluids and / or tissue, and physical hazards such as needle sticks

May be exposed to patients with infectious diseases when in the clinic

All duties and responsibilities associated with this position must be performed in a VCC designated location

Must receive annual TB test or if applicable complete annually TB Questionnaire with clinician clearance

Must be fingerprinted at a designated location; fingerprint report must be clear prior to beginning work; fingerprinting includes enrollment in the Department of Justice arrest notification service.

Physical Requirements

Physical ability must be sufficient to meet standards of care of a quality oriented dental practice

Some long periods of standing, walking

Recurrent bending and twisting of body, especially the back and neck

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of a clinical dental setting, e.g., practice use of work safety in using dental equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations, use of universal infection control precautions, etc

Ability to work with Nitrous and other chemicals used in the normal delivery of dental services

Manual dexterity and strength sufficient to enter information via computer keyboard for long periods of time, to write notes and information as needed, and to pick up and hold tools, paperwork, supplies and other items

Speaking and hearing ability sufficient to handle phone and in-person conversations with patients / clients, clinicians and other staff

Visual acuity and reading ability sufficient to effectively read records and documents, and to accurately view information on a computer monitor

Emergency response capabilities for possible crisis situations

Safety

Maintain current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices

Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions

Use appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment

Be familiar with location of safety information (within department and on-line), nearest fire extinguisher and emergency exits

Follow all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocols

Properly use ergonomic material and equipment provided for a safe working environment

Employee’s occupational exposure is rated as OSHA Category 1

HIPAA / Compliance

Maintain privacy of all patient, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need to know basis for business purposes

Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations Report unethical, fraudulent or unlawful behavior or activity

Benefits :

Medical

Dental

Vision

PTO

Compensation :

$23-$25 / hour