Registered Dental Assistant

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Assists the dentist chair-side in all clinical procedures, providing proper suctioning technique, passing instruments, and mixing materials as needed. Performs various assigned lab duties. Prepares patient for treatment and sets-up trays per procedure in compliance with individual provider's requests.
2. At the direction and supervision of the Staff Dentist, performs expanded duty procedures in accordance with the Michigan Dental Practice Act. Assists the dentist chair-side in all clinical procedures, providing proper suctioning technique, passing instruments, and mixing materials as needed. Performs various assigned lab duties. Prepares patient for treatment and sets-up trays per procedure in compliance with individual provider's requests.
3. Responsible for the accuracy, clarity, and proper completion of dental charting. Documents relevant communications with patient into a detailed clinical or communication note. Prints treatment plans and effectively communicates treatment with the patient and reception staff. Provides thorough dental education to patients. Takes and records patients’ vitals (blood pressure, height, weight, etc.) at every visit. At the dentist’s requests takes and records other relevant vitals. Ensures the proper completion of all EHR requirements within each visit.
4. Follows Dental Infection Control Program and other regulatory policies and procedures. Coordinates efforts with coworkers to complete operatory set-up, equipment cleaning, sterilization of instruments, and disinfection of operatory. Restocks supplies in operatory and storage room. Informs the individual in charge of ordering of any supplies needed.
5. Takes diagnostic quality digital and conventional radiographs as assigned by the Staff Dentist, demonstrating proper radiographic techniques and radiation protection.
6. Completes and submits Medicaid prior authorizations. Maintains detailed spreadsheets logging and tracking prior authorizations and referrals.

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MARGINAL JOB DUTIES

1. Coordinates work efforts with co-workers to maintain patient flow throughout the office. Thoroughly communicates with patients, coworkers, providers, and leadership staff.
2. Maintains an organized work environment.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Education: State of Michigan Registered Dental Assistant Licensure from an accredited dental assisting program.
2. Licensure: Current license to practice as a Registered Dental Assistant, with Expanded Duties, in the State of Michigan. State of Michigan Radiology Certification required. Current BLS Certification required.
3. Experience: Proven experience as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA); Externship / Internship applicable.
4. Skills: Knowledge of dental terminology, chair-side techniques, and dental insurances/prior authorizations. Organized and detailed, able to prioritize tasks. Effective communication skills. Efficient typing and computer skills. Able to work independently and as a team member. Flexible in day-to-day duties and responsibilities. Protects patients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality (HIPAA) of personal and financial information.
5. Interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate effectively with, and relate to, a diverse population in a professional manner. Capable of taking initiative in day-to-day responsibilities. Excellent verbal and written skills.
6. Physical Effort: Must be able to sit, stand, and or walk for an entire workday. Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, and or twist while holding up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
7. Hours of Work: Full time; Flexible and varied. Extended hours may be required. Consistent attendance is required for this position. Telecommuting is not an option for this position.
8. Travel: Travel may be required to various GLBHC sites. Reimbursement consistent with GLBHC’s policy.

PREFERRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Experience: Three (3) years of experience as a RDA with Expanded Duties preferred.
2. Skills: Able to function as a RDA; perform all expanded duties preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Answers telephones promptly, and handles/screens calls, including scheduling of patient appointments as directed and taking messages. Greets patients and schedules return appointments. (5%)
2. Verifies insurance coverage, conducts income determinations and assigns payment category and updates patient information. Inputs data in computer in accordance with the "Billing and Front Desk Policies and Procedures" guidelines.  Follows Receptionist Training Manual for procedures. (5%)
3. Escorts patients to exam room and assists in preparing the patient for the health care provider, including: (10%)
   • obtaining vital signs
   • height and weight measurements
   • determining the reason(s) for the patient visit
   • Assists the medical/nursing providers, or as delegated by the nurse team leader, with: (5%)
   • physical exams
   • gynecological exams
   • minor surgery/suture placement or removal
   • wound care
   • LARC (Long Acting Reversible Contraception)
   • EKG
   • nebulizer treatments
   • audio/tympanometry
   • other procedures as requested
4. Performs minor laboratory tests such as hemoglobin, blood glucose, urinalysis, strep, mono. Performs phlebotomy services for the site. Prepares laboratory specimens appropriately for analysis by in house or outside laboratories. (5%)
5. Prepares and administers medications including immunizations ordered by the provider or per protocol. Documents accurately in electronic health record (EHR).  Follows 340B Documentation and Storage Protocol CLIN.87. (10%)
6. Schedules patients for In-House procedures and assists with initiation of referrals to outside agencies/providers. Assist with tracking process per protocol. (10%)
7. Updates EHR and maintains accurate clinical data with incoming medical reports. Sends appropriate reports to be scanned.  Performs follow-up functions as assigned. (10%)
8. Informs patients of lab and diagnostic test results as delegated by provider per Policy CLIN.79. Provides limited patient education as directed by the provider or team leader. Processes clinical forms as appropriate. (10%)
9. Maintains clinical environment including: (10%)
   • cleaning and disinfecting exam rooms and other work areas.
   • participating, as assigned, in procedure room checks, refrigerator temperature checks, medication and supplies expiration date checks and quality control assessments for CLIA Waived in-house labs - records appropriately.
   • maintaining and using equipment used for providing patient care appropriately - reports any malfunctions to the Center Manager.
10. Enters orders appropriately for completed testing and health maintenance measures. (10%)
11. Maintains desktop and assists as delegated by Center Manager, Nurse Manager or Primary Care Coordinator. (10%)

Note:  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MARGINAL JOB DUTIES

1. Participates in team meetings.
2. Fills in for other staff as needed and qualified.
3. Assists the Center Manager, Nurse Manager or Primary Care Coordinator as necessary.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Education: Completion of Medical Assisting program, with evidence of training in clinic procedures and duties.
2. Licensure: Certified or Registered Medical Assistant. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification Required.
3. Experience: None.
4. Skills: Appropriate clinical skills, telephone and computer skills.  Flexible in accepting work assignments.  Ability to respond appropriately and consistently to managerial directives.
5. Interpersonal skills: Able to communicate effectively with, and relate to, a diverse population in a professional and courteous manner.  Flexible and able to function in a team setting.  Ability to respond appropriately to all patients.
6. Physical Effort: Must be able to sit, stand, and or walk for an entire workday. Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, and or twist while holding up to 25 lbs. frequently.
7. Hours of Work: Full-time or Part-time. Flexible and varied. Consistent attendance is required. Telecommuting is not available for this position.  
8. Travel: May require limited travel within service area.  Reimbursement consistent with GLBHC policy. 

PREFERRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Experience: One (1) year experience in a medical setting, preferably office/clinic. Medical billing experience. 
2. Skills: Bilingual (English/Spanish).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.