Dental Assistant - NonExempt

Dental Assistant - NonExempt

Portage, IN 46368

Description

The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of NorthShore Health Centers. The assistant performs patient intakes, exposes and processes x-rays, and is also responsible for sterilization of instruments, cleaning and preparing operatories, in addition, the Dental Assistant maintains inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. This position requires travel between NSHC Dental sites as needed.

Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.Exposes and processes x-rays and duplicates, when necessary.Ensures all x-ray exposures are suitable for diagnosis.Serves as provider's chair-side assistant, assisting the provider with all dental procedures.Provides supportive care for patients at all timesKeeps the operatory neat and clean during procedures and disinfects thoroughly before each patient use.Keeps hand pieces properly maintained.Adheres to the NorthShore Health Centers dental infection control policies, procedures, and protocols, and guidelines.Inventories and maintains dental supplies and equipmentProvides purchasing information for ordering supplies and/or equipment in a timely manner.Restocks rooms as necessary.Maintains patient dental records in the dental department in compliance with HIPAA regulations and standards.Prepares for the following day's schedule by ensuring proper equipment, lab cases and materials are present in the proper site.Takes vital signs and review patient health history, updating as necessary.Handles protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).Performs expanded function duties as necessary.Prepares reports and other documentation as required.Attends meetings and training sessions as required, and completes NS Academy requirements.Executes other verbal or written specific assigned tasks, requiring similar or lesser skills and abilities, some of which are continuing while others are occasional in nature.

Planning and strategic foresightResponsible decision makingIntegrity and accountabilityInnovation and creativityAdaptive and flexibleLeadership, teamwork, and conflict resolutionProfessionalism and work ethicEmpathy

Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent personal and telephone contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive.

Travel outside of Northshore locations will be rare for this position.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of ageMust have reliable transportationRad-Tech License in the State of Indiana

Two years of experience working within a healthcare setting.

Associate's degree in Radiography

Bachelor's degree in Radiography

Ability to analyze situations and solve problems at strategic and tactical levelsExcellent interpersonal and customer service skillsAbility to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policiesAbility to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factorsPracticed at organization and planningEmploy critical thinking and problem solvingMaintains composure and operates with emotional intelligenceEthical reasoning and decision-makingStrong attention to detailReceptive and responsive to feedbackExcellent verbal and written communication skillsTime management, prioritization, and sense of urgencyProficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, work longer than eight (8) hour shifts, and to work both day/evening/weekend shifts. Work may include hand dexterity as well as the need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.