Dental Assistant

Responsible for assisting the Dentist at the chair and knowledgeable in; Four and six-handed dentistry techniques; preparation of materials; seating, preparing and dismissing the patient; routine housekeeping; maintenance of equipment and all current practices of prevention of transmission of infectious diseases.Provides client/registration, inventory, and general housekeeping support to most patient flow and dental services activities. The Dental Assistant is expected to be an active participant in the Performance Improvement (PI) process/activities, and will periodically be assigned PI Audit related responsibilities.

II. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. General Dental Services – Assures the following:

1. Receive, prepare and dismiss patients.

2. Four and six-handed dentistry techniques to include passing instruments, retractions, and material preparation.

3. Knowledgeable of set ups of instruments and materials and procedures for all clinical procedures performed as explained in the Manual of Clinical Procedures.

4. Charting of existing dental conditions and treatment.

5. Presentation of treatment plans and discussion of dental contracts.

6. Parallel and bisecting angle radiographic techniques.

7. Panoramic and cephalometric radiographic techniques.

8. Oral health education (brushing, flossing, care of prostheses).

9. Post operative instructions.

10. Disinfecting and wrapping of environmental surfaces in the dental treatment room (DTR).

11. Ensure all OSHA guidelines and procedures are properly performed.

B. Client and Administrative Support Services – Assures the following:

1. Answers phone, schedule appoints, and receives/responds to clients in a respectful, courteous, and professional customer service manner.

2. Assist with client registration and updates, and coordinates these tasks with Client Support Staff in General Medical, WIC, or other service components.

3. Proper maintenance of dental charts and dental forms to include: medical history, dental examination for, dental treatment contract, services rendered, consent forms, disclaimers, referrals, laboratory tracking, inventory and dental insurance encounter forms.

4. Provide patients with written and oral post-operative instructions for dental procedures.

5. Translate and explain forms to patients.

6. Ensure all dental forms include patient ID number.

7. Assist with internal and external dental, medical, WIC, and social referral services.

C. General Housekkeeping – Assures the following:

1. Proper cleaning and disinfecting of all operatory areas.

2. Proper cleaning disinfecting and sterilization of all instruments and equipment to include thorough knowledge of current practices of infection control as dictated by OSHA.

3. Equipment maintenance, according to manufacturer’s instructions and schedules. ^This will include handpieces, radiographic developers, air compressor, vacuum system, laboratory equipment, sterilization equipment, Nitrous oxide machine and tanks and all other standard dental equipment.

III. OTHER RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNED INCLUDE:

1. May be assigned lead for ordering and maintaining select items of dental related supply inventories.

2. Involvement in on going Performance Improvement (PI) Team activity.

3. Works and Teams cooperatively with staff.

4. Assisting with PI Audits.

5. Adhere to all PI policies, protocols and procedures such as Safety, Care of Equipment, Incidence Reporting, etc.

6. Maintaining Confidentiality of all client/patient information whether verbal, hard paper copy, and/or computer based.

7. Maintaining Confidentiality of assigned computer system Password.

8. Insure that all computer data is accurately inputted.

9. Insure that assigned service responsibilities for client/patient processing is efficient and timely so as to minimize waiting time for services rendered and completed.

10. Represents the AHC, and all program services in a positive and professional manner through all client/patient interactions.

11. Refers all Client/Patient complaints to the immediate Supervisor, and the Director of Clinical Services. Able to exercise judgement in client/patient interaction, and under stressful situations.

12. May require participation in providing off-sight services, example includes health fairs and screening programs.

13. Other duties as assigned.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

State Registration required.

Must be able to perform basic dental assistant skills as demonstrated by successful completion of AHC’s inservice/competency level skills test.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, REGISTRATIONS

Must be in compliance with all Texasstatutes for Dental Assistants as set by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Malpractice insurance
• Paid time off
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Chairside assisting: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Registered Dental Assistant (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15