Dental Assistant

Title: Dental Assistant

Job Summary: The Dental Assistant performs duties such as preparing the patient for the treatment, assisting the dentist in performing their treatment to the patient in restorative dentistry or oral surgery, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and have them ready for the dentist’s use take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work to include but not limited to making appointments, answer the phone, ordering supplies and doing the dental billing.

Job Duties

• Greets patients in waiting area and escorts patients to the operatory.
• Assists the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist.
• Promotes an atmosphere supportive of good dental and general health by demonstrating good oral hygiene, questioning patients to ascertain home care status, instructing patients in techniques of flossing and brushing in accordance with protocol.
• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures.
• Review the health history, make chart entries under the direction of the operator ad assure completion of forms and signatures.
• Assume the responsibility associated with any expanded duties that may be delegated by the dentist.
• Acquaint the patient with the aspects of their dental visit and provide support and compassion to that patient when it is needed.
• Stock operatories and maintain clinical supply inventory.
• Review daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments.
• Assist in front office procedures if time allows or need is determined by the Associate Dental Director or Dentist.
• Supervise preventive maintenance of dental equipment.
• Serves as supply liaison. Communicates with purchasing department and vendors to assure prompt receipt of all orders.

Job Requirements

• Friendly personality with the desire to work with the public.
• Ability and willingness to treat all patients with the utmost kindness and consideration in the most trying situations.
• Ability to handle multi-functions and complete tasks in orderly and accurate fashion
• Understanding of community based organizations and willing to participate in community events such as health fairs, etc.
• Promotes and believes in NHSI mission statement “Health for All”.
• Ability to relate to the public regardless of ethnic, religious and economic status.
• Must be willing to work at any National Health Service, Inc., location, other that the assigned site and be agreeable to work weekends, if so needed.
• Able to use sound judgment. Possess a calm disposition and the ability to work easily with people.

Additional Duties

• HIPAA compliance – responsible for maintaining abreast of and in compliance with all HIPAA regulations and requirements. Treats all member information confidential.
• Compliance – Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
• QA/QI – Participate in QA/QI activities and contribute towards the overall performance improvement of the organization.
• IT – Required to learn and use the Electronic Health Record and Practice Electronic System) and its components. As required by the job functions and highlighted in the Policies and Procedures. These components include NextGen, PMS, QSI and other electronic features, as they are developed and implemented as applicable to the work environment.
• All employees will participate in Patient Centered Health Home Model at Omni Family Health.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience

• High school graduate (or GED).
• Proof of completing radiation safety course.
• One year experience as a dental assistant or one year training as a dental assistant.
• Certificate for coronal polishing recommended.
• Demonstrate knowledge of dental health education subjects.
• Have the ability to communicate in English and Spanish.
• Possess X-Ray License or will secure one within the first ninety (90) days of employment this will allow for advancement from training position.
• Complete one-time board approved eight (8) hour course in Infection Control and California Dental Practice Act within the first six (6) months of employment.
• Current and valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Responsible To: Staff Dentist/Associate Dental Director/Dental Director

Classification: Non-exempt