DENTAL ASSISTANT

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments, and materials; passing instruments and materials; performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.

Supports Medical-Dental Integration by working with the medical providers and CMAs as needed.  

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering questions and giving directions as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Assists dentist in completion of dental procedures by positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
• Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies in accordance with state regulations and dental department protocol; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.
• Sterilizes instruments and disinfects surfaces in accordance with clinic policy and OSHA/Kansas Dental Board regulations.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records as instructed by dentist or dental hygienist.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs as needed, according to dental department policy/protocol.
• Maintains dental operatory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; compiling a supply order list; verifying receipt of supplies, as directed.
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials and sharps in accordance with dental department policy and state/federal regulations.
• Assists with and monitors patient flow; receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professionals matters, clinic business and patient care.
• Applies fluoride varnish to patients during well-child checks, asthma follow-ups and/or weight management appointments as requested.
• Other tasks as identified and delegated, within Kansas Dental Board scope of practice restrictions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Current CPR (BLS) Certificate (may be obtained after hire)

Individual must:

1. Develop rapport with patients and their families, community and other health care personnel.
2. Exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor.
3. Work successfully independently and within a team, shifting tasks, prioritize tasks, problem-solve daily, and complete work within deadline 
4. Demonstrate excellent customer service, helpfulness, and a positive attitude.
5. Possess superior organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
6. Demonstrate the ability to recognize, understand, and appreciate the value of cultural diversity and communicate medical information in plain language.
7. Demonstrate social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patients and staff.
8. Exhibit experience and working knowledge of local community resources 
9. Hold current drivers’ license and reliable transportation.
10. Travel to all parts of the facility and throughout the community.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bilingual Spanish/English
• Dental Assistant Certification

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A 

Americans with Disability Specifications

Physical Demands

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 is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk and hear.   The employee must frequently lift and/or move materials that may weigh up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics 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.

• Must have manual dexterity and experience to perform handwritten paper work, recordkeeping, and filing. 
• Prolonged sitting, standing, or walking may be required. 
• Frequent bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above the shoulders, twisting and turning, kneeling, and pushing/pulling may be required. 
• Employment is contingent upon successful clearance from Criminal, Kansas and Missouri Child/Elder Abuse and Neglect, Sex Offender background investigations, TB testing, pre-employment drug testing, and verification of Hepatitis-B, flu and COVID-19 immunizations.
• Occasional evening and weekend availability are required.

Trauma Informed Care

At Vibrant Health, we understand that many, if not most, people have experienced trauma in their lives. We have made a commitment to trauma informed care and support and educate team members continued development of understanding of how trauma affects individuals and coping strategies. We expect employees to incorporate their understanding about trauma into interactions with our patients and families, clinic visitors, and with each other.

Commitment to Diversity

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Affirmative Action employer. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply and desire priority referrals of protected veterans.