Description

The Dental Assistant will provide quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and other staff in a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. The Dental Assistant will ensure efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients and patient information, including taking and processing x-rays. 

Requirements

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience, and are treated with care and compassion expected.
• Ensure all patient records and related documents are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.
• Affect favorable billing and collection outcomes. Ensure all patient services and billing information is collected and submitted timely and accurately.
• Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures.
• Develop favorable relationships with all patients. Instruct patients and their family members on general oral health care and/or information related to post-treatment care as appropriate.
• Establish favorable working relationships with all staff members associated with clinic operations, including dental receptionist, dental hygienists, dentists and related staff.
• Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization at all times. Represent the organization in a highly professional manner at all times.
• Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.
• Prepare and maintain dental instruments, materials and equipment.
• Collect and record patient health histories (dental and medical) and record information for dentist’s reference prior to examination.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
• Take and process x-rays.
• Assist dentist chair-side by organizing and preparing instruments for dentist’s use and assisting as needed during procedures.
• Advise patients in oral hygiene and dental care.
• Follow through with post-visit duties.
• Backup the other staff positions, provide relief and support to other staff functions and perform office duties as requested.
• Interact positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population. Provider services in a manner that is appropriate for the patient’s age, demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient’s physical, psychosocial, educational and safety needs.
• Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting dental health.
• Read, write and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation.
• Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections.
• Demonstrate knowledge of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Must have Dental Assistant Certificate from an accredited school;
• Completion of a board-approved course in the Dental Practice Act;
• Completion of a board-approved course in Infection Control;
• Completion of a board-approved course in Radiation Safety;
• Coronal Polishing Course preferred;
• Dental Sealant Certification preferred;
• Current CPR/BLS certified;
• Comprehensive understanding of dental instruments;
• Ability to resolve issues or concerns of the patients in a professional manner;
• Completion of a board-approved course in Infection Control;
• Ability to provide exceptional patient care;
• Demonstrated success in computer skills including ability to use computer for scheduling, word documents and reasonable keyboard skills.
• Demonstrated success in customer service/patient services or working with the general public, preferably in a medical or dental care facility.

 Competencies & Skills

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain the highly confidential nature of human resources information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and complete multiple tasks at the same time
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization to encourage cohesiveness 
• Demonstrate resourcefulness and troubleshooting/problem solving
• Outstanding organizational skills and demonstrated ability to focus on detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft, Google Suite or similar software as used by the organization
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Extensive knowledge of office management systems and procedures, and recommends process improvements
• Ability to operate general office equipment, and orient new employees 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to type 60 words a minute
• Ability to be approachable by staff
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively; Listens and gets clarification when necessary; Responds informatively to questions. 
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and concisely; Edits work; Varies writing style to meet specific needs; Presents data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives. 
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a polite and tactful manner; Maintains composure and reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. 
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. 
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with occasional change, delays, or unexpected events. 

Physical Requirement

• Physical effort which may include occasional light lifting to a 25 pound limit, and some bending, stooping or squatting. Considerable walking may be involved. The ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time is required.
• Flexibility to work in multiple locations throughout the week.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to travel to all UCHC facilities as needed.
• Occasionally required to sit and walk.
• Finger dexterity required.
• Hand coordination required.
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include: close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust or focus.

Work Environment

• Exposure to adverse conditions.
• Exposure to extreme heat.
• Exposure to extreme cold.
• Exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Exposure to high, precarious places.
• Exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Exposure to outside weather conditions.
• Possible risk of electrical shock
• Exposure to explosives
• Possible risk of radiation and vibration.
• Protective clothing or equipment is required including: gloves, helmets, steel-toed boots, protective eyewear.
• The noise level in the work environment usually is high