DENTAL ASSISTANT/Patient Access Specialist

Description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated, self-motivated Registered Dental Assistant to join our San Jose Clinic Dental Team at our Fort Bend Clinic. The ideal candidate is a reliable, detail-oriented professional who works well independently and collaboratively, maintains a polished and professional appearance, and consistently represents the clinic in alignment with our mission, values, and standards. This individual will contribute to efficient care delivery through a combination of clinical support, administrative responsibilities, patient education, and strong interdepartmental communication.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Consistently maintain a professional appearance and demeanor that reflects the organization's mission, values, and cultural diversity initiatives.

2. Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills in all patient and team interactions.

3. Protect patient confidentiality and handle all information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

4. Promote a respectful, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.

5. Provide chair-side assistance to dentists & hygienists during procedures, complex treatments, and special tests.

6. Prepare operatories for daily patient care by cleaning, sanitizing, and performing basic equipment maintenance.

7. Sterilize instruments, prepare dental trays, and ensure adequate supply levels, including distilled water preparation.

8. Maintain a clean, organized, and well-equipped clinical environment.

9. Record patient medical and dental histories, take and chart vital signs, obtain radiographs, and secure necessary consent forms before treatment.

10. Assist with emergency measures for adverse patient events during treatment.

11. Reinforce post-treatment care instructions and help explain treatment plans, including patient financial responsibilities.

12. Monitor and manage the return of prosthodontic appliances from the lab to ensure timely availability for patient appointments.

13. Ensure all clinical documentation is complete and accurately entered into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and practice management system.

14. Understand and adhere to OSHA, HIPAA, and all applicable federal, state, and institutional safety and privacy standards.

15. Register and check in patients for appointments in accordance with training and established procedures.

16. Verify completion of necessary forms and documentation, providing clear explanation as needed.

17. Perform scheduling duties, including appointment creation, confirmation calls & texts, waitlist management, and scheduling future appointments.

18. Update and maintain patient account details and eligibility information in the EHR system.

19. Accurately process patient payments, reconcile daily cash drawers, and enter payment details into the system.

20. Provide professional, courteous support via phone, email, and in-person interactions.

21. Triage calls, respond to patient concerns, and route calls appropriately for clinical or emergency needs.

22. Manage dental referrals to specialty services, documenting all related actions in the EHR.

23. Collaborate as an active member of the Dental Team across Fort Bend and Midtown locations.

24. Work with other departments to ensure coordination of care and shared responsibilities.

25. Attend team meetings and support departmental and organizational goals.

26. Advocate for patients and serve as a liaison across departments to promote access and satisfaction.

27. Uphold all clinic policies, procedures, quality assurance, infection control, and safety standards.

28. Perform additional related duties as assigned in support of clinic operations and patient care.epare operatories for daily patient care by cleaning, sanitizing, and performing basic equipment maintenance.

7. Sterilize instruments, prepare dental trays, and ensure adequate supply levels, including distilled water preparation.

8. Maintain a clean, organized, and well-equipped clinical environment.

9. Record patient medical and dental histories, take and chart vital signs, obtain radiographs, and secure necessary consent forms before treatment.

10. Assist with emergency measures for adverse patient events during treatment.

11. Reinforce post-treatment care instructions and help explain treatment plans, including patient financial responsibilities.

12. Monitor and manage the return of prosthodontic appliances from the lab to ensure timely availability for patient appointments.

13. Ensure all clinical documentation is complete and accurately entered into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and practice management system.

14. Understand and adhere to OSHA, HIPAA, and all applicable federal, state, and institutional safety and privacy standards.

15. Register and check in patients for appointments in accordance with training and established procedures.

16. Verify completion of necessary forms and documentation, providing clear explanation as needed.

17. Perform scheduling duties, including appointment creation, confirmation calls & texts, waitlist management, and scheduling future appointments.

18. Update and maintain patient account details and eligibility information in the EHR system.

19. Accurately process patient payments, reconcile daily cash drawers, and enter payment details into the system.

20. Provide professional, courteous support via phone, email, and in-person interactions.

21. Triage calls, respond to patient concerns, and route calls appropriately for clinical or emergency needs.

22. Manage dental referrals to specialty services, documenting all related actions in the EHR.

23. Collaborate as an active member of the Dental Team across Fort Bend and Midtown locations.

24. Work with other departments to ensure coordination of care and shared responsibilities.

25. Attend team meetings and support departmental and organizational goals.

26. Advocate for patients and serve as a liaison across departments to promote access and satisfaction.

27. Uphold all clinic policies, procedures, quality assurance, infection control, and safety standards.

28. Perform additional related duties as assigned in support of clinic operations and patient care.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent
2. Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant program
3. Registered with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners to perform radiographs
4. Must have a minimum of 1 years experience in chair side and 4 handed dentistry, including records management and sterilization.
5. Hold and maintain current CPR-BLS certification.
6. Possesses excellent knowledge of general dentistry procedures.
7. Ability to operate computer, copier, and fax machine.
8. Experience with Microsoft Office and practice management system software applications.
9. Knowledge of standard office policies and procedures.
10. Knowledge of insurance and eligibility requirements.
11. Can demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
12. Can demonstrate effective customer relation skills, working with diverse populations, often in stressful fast paced environments.
13. Can demonstrate organizational skills, multi-tasking, and effective use of time.
14. Ability to work independently and use good judgment in work prioritization
15. Ability to complete difficult/complex tasks.
16. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
17. Ability to communicate with dental terminology in English and Spanish required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to sit, stand, bend and stoop for (long) periods of time.
2. Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally/frequently.
3. Ability to work in a stressful environment.
4. Ability to respond to emergency/crisis situations.
5. Exposure to noise.
6. Exposure to blood and/or body fluids.