Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Dental Assistant

At HealthCore Clinic, we pride ourselves on being a premier medical employer and learning institution for individuals willing to serve the underinsured. Our You-Centered approach to healthcare for our clients only works because we employ, train and retain the best of the best. At Healthcore Clinic, we believe healthcare is a human right whose access should not be bound by finances. If you believe in our philosophy and are fun loving, open minded, caring and flexible with your schedule, then you have come to the right place. We are people serving people, serving people. We are looking for a dynamic individual to join our family at Healthcore Clinic.

Job Purpose: The Dental Assistant is responsible for supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered oral healthcare by assisting dentists and dental hygienists during clinical procedures and ensuring efficient, safe, and effective dental clinic operations. This role prepares patients and operatories for care, performs delegated clinical procedures, manages dental instruments and supplies, maintains accurate documentation, and supports patient education and care coordination. The Dental Assistant performs all duties in compliance with applicable federal and Kansas state laws, regulations, clinic policies, and professional standards, while upholding HealthCore Clinics mission to provide accessible, compassionate dental care to underserved and vulnerable populations.

• Escorts patients from waiting areas to dental operatories and prepares them for examination or treatment.
• Assists dentists and dental hygienists during examinations, procedures, and treatments.
• Prepares, sets up, and breaks down dental trays, equipment, and operatories according to clinic protocols.
• Takes dental radiographs as directed and processes images in accordance with safety regulations and clinic procedures.
• Sterilizes and disinfects reusable dental instruments and equipment in compliance with infection control, exposure control, and safety standards.
• Ensures proper disposal of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with clinic policy and state and federal regulations.
• Maintains dental equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and clinic protocols and reports malfunctioning equipment as needed.
• Cleans, organizes, and maintains dental operatories and common dental department areas.
• Ensures adequate supplies in operatories and assists with tracking inventory and reporting supply shortages.
• Documents patient care, procedures, radiographs, and communications accurately and timely in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Communicates effectively with patients regarding procedures, treatment plans, and post-care instructions as authorized.
• Responds to patient phone calls and questions related to dental care, scheduling, and follow-up.
• Assists patients with minor concerns and facilitates appropriate follow-up or referrals as directed.
• Complies with all applicable federal, state, local, and clinic rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Performs duties in compliance with the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Universal Precautions.
• Participates in quality improvement, safety, or clinic initiatives as assigned.
• Supports health promotion and disease prevention activities as required.
• Pulls and files patient charts as required.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the Dentist in accordance with Dental Department protocols and directives in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Changes water in the autoclave as needed.
• Performs weekly maintenance on various machines and equipment in the dental office including waterlines, O-rings, oil collectors, vacuums, and traps.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the clinic as appropriate and time permits.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• Other duties: as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Completion of an accredited course in dental assisting is required.
• One (1) year of experience as a Dental Assistant is preferred.
• Knowledge of: dental terminology, procedures, and infection control standards.
• Strong computer literacy and ability to use Electronic Medical Records and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to: communicate effectively with vulnerable populations, including those affected by financial status, health conditions, age, or other factors.
• Positive, friendly, and professional demeanor with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to: multitask and adapt to changing workflows and schedules.
• Ability to: maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and clinic privacy requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is usually a well-lighted, heated, and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to blood, bodily fluids and tissues, sharp objects/needles; occasionally exposed to spills or splashes of the aforementioned with potential exposure to communicable diseases. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for all employees in this position.

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 regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; crouch and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Not only is Healthcore Clinic a great place to get care, its also a great place to work!