Dental Assistant

Job Description:

A. POSITION SUMMARY

Performs fourhanded dentistry, explains treatment plans and procedures to patients. Maintains sterilization of the dental facility square footage and inventory of health center dental supplies. Orders supplies, takes radiographs, and performs expanded duties according to certification, per the Idaho State Dental Practice Act.

B. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Before Patient Care or Daily:

a) Sets up operatories, lab, sterilization area, and necessary trays.

b) Review, copy, and manage daily patient schedule.

c) Check solutions in developer (if applicable)/processor, ultrasonic, and glutaraldehyde baths.

d) Arrange and prepare hand pieces; properly oil and make ready for use.

e) Turn on necessary equipment.

2. Each Patient:

a) Assist at patient chair side; relate treatment plans and financial responsibilities to patients.

b) Take and develop radiographs.

c) Document in patient's electronic dental record as directed. Prepares/completes forms and charts completely, assures proper signature is present. Records blood pressure as required.

d) Follow proper infection control procedures as established by the dental program. (Printed procedures in dental lab procedure book.)

e) Clean and prepare room after patient care.

3. Daily Duties:

a) Order and maintain supplies and perform a monthly inventory.

b) Turn off all equipment.

c) Learn and implement the DSHC electronic/digital dental "Dentrix" system, following health center policies.

d) Perform oral health outreach duties as outlined by standard work.

4. General Duties:

a) Order supplies and perform a monthly inventory.

b) Perform maintenance on equipment, i.e. X-ray/processor/sterilizer etc.

c) Display calm and sensitive manor when dealing with apprehensive patients.

d) Sterilize instruments.

e) Organize and clean the lab.

5. Desert Sage Values:

a) Employee knows DSHC's 5 core values and demonstrates the specific valued behaviors on a daily basis.

C. MARGINAL DUTIES

1. Translates for patient and dentist if needed when applicable.

2. Any other duties as may be necessary for the proper operation of the dental facility.

D. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Accurate and complete, patient electronic charting demonstrated at all times.

2. Chart reviews show record of blood pressure evaluation, all forms completed/signed, and significant items noted in red. (95% of sample)

3. Awareness/acceptance of individual cultural competency and sensitivity aspects

4. Functions performed in acceptable timely manner, as determined by supervisor

5. Follow and implement all HIPAA, OSHA, and CLIA policies/procedures and regulations

6. Works as a team member to facilitate patient flow and quality of care

7. Log equipment maintenance for processor (or developer), autoclave, and cold sterilizer. Supervisor reviews log sheets weekly

8. Report to work at assigned times

9. Merit increases will be based on random chart reviews evaluating if all vitals are taken and recorded including but not limited to completeness of paperwork, patient satisfaction, lab recording and call-backs, and team participation.

E. SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION

DSHC dentist will be responsible for supervision and evaluation for this position. The assistant follows directions of the staff dentist and/or dental hygienist and Dental Clinic Manager and/or Dental Director in absence of dentist.

F. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Considerable manual dexterity to pass instruments to dentist and sufficient mobility to perform assigned essential duties

2. Possess and implement good and effective communication skills

3. Willingness to strive for excellence in dentistry

4. Knowledge of dental terminology

5. Knowledge of endo, surgical, restorative, preventive: crown, bridge, prosthetic instrumentation, and assisting

6. Ability to take bite-wing and PA radiographs.

G. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. 1-3 years of previous dental assisting experience, D.A. Certified

2. Expanded functions certification

Desert Sage Health Centers | Equal Opportunity Employer