Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Dental Assistant (DA) performs administrative and clinical duties under the direction of a dentist or dental hygienist and serves as a liaison between the clinical staff and the operations/administrative team. Administrative duties include scheduling appointments, maintaining dental/medical records, billing, ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, interacting with multidisciplinary teams and data entry in various systems. Clinical duties include preparing and maintaining dental operatories, sterilizing/disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, preparing materials and assisting with dental examinations and treatments. The DA helps to ensure that the clinical component of the dental program is running smoothly and collaborates with a team to solve operational issues impacting dental patient care and clinical workflows.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES:

• Sets up and maintains operatories according to the approved standard. Disinfects all surfaces between patients and removes instruments for sterile processing. Prepares materials and sets up trays for providers.
• Escorts patients within the clinic area and ensures patient handoffs are handled smoothly for optimal care. May take vital signs and complete initial intake information.
• Takes and develops dental x-rays.
• Assist dentists with examinations and procedures (chair-side assisting) and treatment of patients. Supports dentists in delivering patient education on oral hygiene, preventive care and post-operative instructions. Documents in patient records as directed.
• Sterilizes and disinfects instruments following proper sterilization processes. Ensures that all required tests are conducted as required and logged appropriately in accordance with state guidelines.
• Follows established maintenance schedule for all dental equipment including hand-pieces and schedules service calls if repairs/maintenance is needed.
• Schedules patients, verifies insurance information and enters information into the AthenaHealth EMR and Dentrix EDR. Reviews and completes tasks in both systems.
• Supports clinic reception duties including signing in patients, monitoring waiting room/patient flow and answering phone. Handles patient requests, routes phone calls, responds to phone messages and portal requests, and follows up on medication refill requests with providers.
• Works with dentists, hygienists and other assistants to ensure smooth and efficient patient flow through the dental clinic.
• In collaboration with the Manager and Dental Director, ensures appropriate dental assistant coverage each day. Assists with orienting new staff members.
• Maintains dental supply inventory, tracks quantity of products and expiration dates, prepares and submits orders as requested. Ensures emergency and first aid supplies are maintained.
• Maintains up to date information regarding Michigan Dental regulations. Ensures that MSDS sheets are complete and up to date. Supports clinical staff in following HIPAA, OSHA and JCAHO regulations and safety requirements. Brings any patient/staff safety or compliance concerns to the attention of the Dental Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an approved accredited Dental Assisting School required. Expanded Functions with Dental Radiographer Certification in the State of Michigan (Registered Dental Assistant) strongly preferred.
• Two years’ experience as a dental assistant strongly preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Michigan Nitrous Oxide Certification, if applicable
• Knowledge of modern dental materials, storage, handling and applications.

• Ability to work collaboratively with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal results for the clinic's patients and provide an integrated delivery of healthcare.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
• Computer skills and experience using dental/medical clinic software systems. Ability to effectively navigate and enter data into an EHR and use Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills including confidentiality requirements.
• Experience working with diverse populations. Sensitivity, understanding and commitment to cultural competence and inclusivity.

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS: This position is in-person, full-time, predominantly during business hours Monday through Friday with occasional evening hours. The position may be assigned at the organization’s Detroit and/or Hazel Park locations. Work is generally performed within the dental/medical office environment and includes significant in person, phone and email contact with staff, patients/clients and the general public. This position reports to the Manager of Health Services and works under the direction of the Dental Director.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Corktown Health is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates regardless of age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or disability status. Applicants who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who represent minority and/or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Corktown Health’s mission is to advance health and well-being for all with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Our culture is inclusive, affirming and accountable, and our vision is health equity for all. The organization has locations in Detroit and Hazel Park.

Company Description

Corktown Health’s mission is to advance health and well-being for all with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Our culture is inclusive, affirming and accountable, and our vision is health equity for all. The organization has locations in Detroit and Hazel Park.