Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Dental Program Director, provides administrative and clinical support for the Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, and other programs. Responsible for maintaining quality assurance for clinic practices and patient records in compliance with the State Board of Dentistry and other agency rules and regulations. Facilitates the daily operations of the Dental Clinic by coordinating patient care, maintaining supplies, equipment, and inventory, and handling hazardous materials. The Dental Office Assistant provides support as a Dental Assistant to cover in instances of DA staffing shortages (i.e. call outs, medical leaves, vacations etc.).

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the daily schedule and operations of the clinic, supporting patient care for both the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs, ensures adequate staff for Providers (Assistants), coordinate weekly DA staff schedule
• In collaboration with the Dental Director, monitors and adjusts clinic practices to ensure compliance of Clinic and Staff according to OSHA and ADA guidelines
• Coordinate orientation/onboarding for all new Dental assistants and in-service trainings as needed for relative to updates in the clinic 
• Ensures the proper sterilization of dental tools and equipment, ensure that Sterilization equipment are maintained according to manufacturer’s guidelines
• Maintain fully functioning equipment and instruments, ensure equipment performance evaluation are conducted and logs maintained, schedule evacuation systems maintenance, monitor and maintain and log systems in Compressor Room, monitor and schedule removal of waste products (Amalgam), and oversees lab logs
• Order equipment and supplies when needed and track inventory
• Ensure that weekly spore tests are done and mailed out
• Ensure that all clinical staff have dosimeter badges, mail and track results
• Assist with patient referrals an prior authorization needed for dental care
• Order lab coats as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Prepare clinical area for daily activities, including start of day and closing
• Pour and prepare models from impressions or perform a digital impression

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in a fully functioning dental clinic. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment is routinely required. Physical exertion includes standing, carrying equipment and supplies, reaching overhead, and regularly lifting up to 50 pounds. Occasional travel to off-site locations requires the ability to drive and use of a private vehicle.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current and valid license to practice as a dental assistant in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required.
• At least five years of dental assistant experience.
• History of good attendance and positive work attitude is essential. Hours may include occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work well in fast-paced environment; organized and detail-oriented; able to multi-task;
• Current CPR (BLS) certification

Knowledge of:

• Effective clinic coordination techniques.
• Federal, state, local regulations, 

Skills in:

• Managing change.
• Training and coordinating the work of others in a team environment.

Ability to:

• Operate a variety of office equipment.
• Engage effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse population.
• Effectively communicate in oral and written form with a range of groups including patients, staff, and students.
• Work independently.