Title : Dental Assistant
Responsible to : Dentist(s) / Coordinator
General Responsibilities :
- Responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center.
- Responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.
- Completes med consults as directed by the dentist. Faxes to patients PCP and follows set clinic policies. (Note in chart, scanned, follow up)
- Transcribes all chart notes accurately into patient chart for each visit. Properly initials each note and assigns correct Provider to each walk-out.
Specific Responsibilities :
Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.Serves as dentist's or dental hygienist's chair-side assistant.Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per dental department protocols and the dentist's or dental hygienist's directions.Properly captures digital radiographs that are diagnostic (root apices / no overlapping). Radiographs properly labeled.Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulations, laws, dental department directives, and protocols.Maintains dental department equipment in accordance with manufacturer's directions and dental department policy and protocol.Maintains all dental department areas in compliance with dental department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.Monitors patient flow, and assists the dental director, dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and post-operative instructionsUnderstands PHI and practices HIPAA compliance.Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the dental department.Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits.Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with dental department directive and protocol.Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with dental department directive, center policy, as well as state and federal regulation(s).Performs all functions in full compliance with the center's and the dental department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment and universal precautions.Participates in appropriate health promotion / disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and / or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a dental assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.Work in a collegial manner and mentoring students in a professional manner.Be an active participant in staff meetings.Other duties as assigned by supervisor.Qualifications
Completion of accredited course in dental assisting required or current CDA (Certified Dental Assistant)Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and to prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.Effective oral and written communication skills in English are required. Effective oral communication skills in Spanish preferred.Must be qualified in basic life support techniques / CPR.Bilingual preferred- Spanish Speaking