Mission

CareLink's mission is to lead its members in the development of a high quality, responsive and relevant services network that cares for adults with complex health issues. CareLink Dentistry's mission is to provide access to patient-centered and convenient on-site routine oral care for residents in long term care, assisted living and congregate residential communities. We support, enhance and advocate for oral care to improve the quality of life of older adults across Rhode Island. Our vision is to ensure access to proper oral care for older adults and adults with complex health needs.

Job Overview

The dental assistant would be responsible for providing reversible intraoral dental services, procedures, or duties. These are to be performed under the supervision of the dentist as approved by the Board, to patients/clients at facilities across the state in Nursing Home, Assisted Living, and other congregate care facilities. The focus is on delivering the highest level of dental healthcare to patients/clients in these facilities. Professional behavior and teamwork will be exhibited in all facets of work and align with the mission of CareLink. Policies and protocols will be understood and practiced. HIPAA rules and regulations pertaining to patient confidentiality and dissemination of information will be followed.

Essential Functions

Clinical & Administrative

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

• Responsible for setting up and breaking down the operatory, regarding sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing mobile dental equipment and instruments in accordance with established CDC and OSHA guidelines.
• Serves as the dentists' chair side assistant.
• Assists the dentist in performing needed patient services.
• Completes accurate and timely documentation of dental services and assists with maintaining patient dental records regarding lab services.
• Responsible for maintaining equipment and inventory supply lists.
• Participates in effective communication with CareLink members.
• Communicates effectively with facility personnel, patients, family members about diagnosis and treatment plan established by the dentist or hygienist.
• Performs related work as required or directed.
• Participates in staff meetings and in-service education programs as requested.

Qualifications - Required

Skills & Experience

• Dental assistant- DANB certified preferred.
• Active member of professional organizations (ADAA, RIDAA etc.) - Preferred
• Must be able to take on responsibilities and be able to function effectively with little or no supervision.
• Must demonstrate the ability to effectively engage with patients, their families, and personnel in a professional manner.
• Must be able to effectively communicate patients' needs to other members of the health care team.
• Must be computer and laptop literate and competent in the use of Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Excel), basic dental software (e.g., Dentrix, Eagle soft), remote dental devices, and communicating through email.
• Must be current on new dental technologies and willing to learn new skills as necessary.
• Must be capable of performing basic administrative duties (e.g., use of MFD, copy machine, scanner, fax, and computer).
• Must be open and flexible to new ideas and constructive feedback.

Certification and Licenses

Current driver's license in good standing

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) preferred.

Certification in all three area:

• General Chairside Assisting (GC)
• Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)
• Infection Control (ICE)

Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) - HealthCare Provider level.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Travel Requirements

Travel may include offsite events, community care centers, hospitals and/or members' site. All locations are within the state of Rhode Island. Must be willing to drive company van.

Cognitive Requirements

The following cognitive requirements are necessary daily: Critical Thinking, Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The employee must have the ability to comprehend written and/or computer-generated materials and analyze information. Distinguish normal sounds with some background noise. Concentrate on minimal to fine detail with little to constant interruption. Remember multiple tasks/assignment over extended periods of time. Attend task/function for up to 60 minutes at a time.

Language Requirements

Ability to read, comprehend and write correspondence; ability to communicate with employees, vendors, members, and customers; ability to exchange information and ability to effectively present information in the primary language for position.

Physical Demand/Work Environment

The physical demands described 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.

Position requires finger dexterity, good vision, hearing, oral communication, and critical thinking. While performing essential functions, the employee uses hands, arms, legs, and feet to sit, stand, walk, climb or balance including reaching above shoulder height or below the waist and lifting or pushing objects or business equipment/devices weighing between 0-50 pounds using proper lifting techniques required.

May be exposed to blood, body tissue or fluids, infections and infectious waste materials, loud noises, unpleasant odors, combative patients, x-ray equipment, disinfectant chemicals, seasonal weather conditions and fluctuations in temperature.

PI238422777