Dental Assistant

Primary Function

The Dental Assistant II works under the direction and supervision of the Dental Assistant Supervisor. This position is primarily located at Cherokee Indian Hospital Dental Clinic. There may be some travel required in order to provide services in other locations. Under supervision, the incumbent is responsible for a variety of clinical and administrative duties established by the Dental Assistant Supervisor. The primary duties will be to perform all basic dental assistant functions in order to allow the dental team to function as efficiently as possible. This position corresponds to the State of NC Dental Assistant II (https://www.ncdentalboard.org/dental_assisting.htm ) Please see Permitted Functions of Dental Assistant II: 21 NCAC 16H.0203.

CIH Dental believes that these skills are necessary for the employee to be successful in the Dental Assisting position:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Listening Skills
• Detail Oriented
• Dexterity/ Hand Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Basic Computer Knowledge
• Passion for helping patients

Duties will consist of standard chairside dental assisting duties, greeting patients/visitors, patient registration, answering calls, scheduling patient appointments, filing/scanning, mail delivery, message delivery, courier service, information retrieval, sending and receiving faxes, use of copier, and to perform other standard office duties as assigned. Participates in HP/DP projects within the community when there is availability. Responsible for learning and practicing dental clinic policies to ensure that employees and patients are safe and protected within the dental clinic. Relias Training compliance and CE Course credits have to be completed during set timeframes.

Job Description

Administrative Duties

• Greets patients/visitors, makes necessary notifications, assists as necessary to facilitate contact with appropriate persons, and directs to specified office.
• Responsible for scheduling, re-scheduling, and cancelling patient appointments via phone and in person.
• Make sure patient’s address and phone numbers are most recent. Check patient’s eligibility regarding the care they can receive.
• Develops and implements consistent office procedures regarding filing/scanning, mail delivery, message delivery, courier service, and information retrieval, sending and receiving faxes, use of copier, and all other standard office duties.
• Proficient in the use of Electronic Dental Record (EDR), Electronic Health Record (EHR) and RPMS to assist with appointment schedules in the Dental Clinic. Performs various clerical tasks in support of daily operations such as filing, typing/scanning, copying, patient registration, making appointment reminder calls, patient check-in, patient check-out, and making follow-up appointments, etc.
• Maintains a neat and orderly work area and office reception area.
• Types clinical notes and other documentation on a daily basis or as deemed necessary.
• Sends and receives all office copies while distributing them to the appropriate staff.
• Performs job duties according to established safety guidelines and CIHA polices.
• Records telephone messages pertaining to dental care, returns phone calls to patients regarding their care, and if needed, refers all urgent communication to the professional staff for immediate action. Initiates calls as requested by staff.
• Requests transportation for patients internally and externally.
• Assists with the billing process when necessary.
• Maintains clerical supplies by checking stock and requisitions replacement as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be necessary to work when Administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised.

Clinical Duties

• Performs duties of dental assisting according to the Dental Assisting Permitted Functions and Certifications as assigned in chairside assisting areas such as: General, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Oral Surgery, and Prosthodontics.
• Accurately documents diagnostic information and treatment provided for each patient.
• Responsible for day-to-day maintenance of all clinic areas including minor equipment adjustments and cleanliness of clinic areas.
• Responsible for following CIH Dental Policies for using best infection control practices that keep employees and patients safe and protected while in the dental clinic.
• Responsible for understanding and practicing the dental clinic regulations around room set up and turnover.
• The Incumbent may be called upon to work in a variety of environments, including but not limited to schools and daycare centers located on an around the Qualla Boundary, long-term care facilities located on and around the Qualla Boundary and off-site community hospital (Harris Regional) for the performance of assisting in operating room dentistry.

Education/Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required. A minimum of two years’ experience working in a clerical, administrative, or health related field is required.
• Previous experience in a dental setting is required.
• Demonstration of average keyboarding and typing skills is required.
• Demonstration of position appropriate professional behavior is required.
• Demonstration of fine motor and dexterity skills is required.
• Previous experience working with Dentrix Program is preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

The incumbent must satisfy one of the following conditions and provide documentation proving the:

Successful Completion Of:

• An ADA accredited dental assisting program
• A diploma in Dental Assisting from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Current certification in BLS.
• Or one (1) academic year or longer in an ADA accredited dental hygiene program or

Successful Completion Of:

• Full-time employment and experience as a chairside assistant for two years (3,000 hours) of the preceding five, during which the assistant may be trained in any delivery setting and allowed to perform the functions of a dental assistant II under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist;
• A 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control;
• A 3-hour course in dental office emergencies;
• Evidence of satisfactory performance on an equivalency examination, recognized by the Board of Dental Examiners, based on seven hours of instruction on the production and use of dental x-rays and educational program of not less than seven (7) hours in clinical dental radiology; and
• Current certification in BLS; or

Successful Completion Of:

• The national certification examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board, and current certification in BLS.

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