Dental Assistant

Dental AssistantThe Dental Assistant is responsible for performing chair side support services, procedures, and general office procedures under the supervision of a dentist.ResponsibilitiesAssist the DDS/DMD with patient care by providing and explaining the DDS/DMD instructionsClean room after finishing with proceduresRoute patient back to the front desk with post-examination/procedure instructions (i.e. to check out, schedule next appointment, etc.)Clean all instruments after proceduresPrepares and maintains all dental instruments, supplies, and equipmentCall next patient immediately after setting up the exam roomMaintain inventory and order supplies listAssure proper operation and maintenance of equipment by performing inspectionsBe able to perform Spore test weekly, clean autoclave weekly (following proper procedures)Take X-rays (proper certification required)Take oral impressions for diagnostic and opposing modelsRemove post-extraction and periodontal dressingsPrepare dental materials, including but not limited to, cements, amalgam, composite, impression materials, etc.Apply non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agentsApply topical fluoride, after scaling and polishing by the supervising DDS/DMD or RDAPlace and remove rubber dams or other isolation devicesPlace, wedge, and remove matrices for restorative proceduresResponsible for dental chartingDelivers patient personal care oral instructionsWhen needed, delivers community dental health presentationsPlans, assembles, and manages health fair boothsPerforms extra oral duties or functions specified by the supervising DDS/DMD.Maintain effective communication and working relationships with other employees and patientsAdditional Duties and ResponsibilitiesAttend staff meetingsPerforms other duties as assigned.Patient Centered Medical Home Essential Responsibilities (Principals)Collaborate with individual patients, their personal physicians, and when appropriate the patient's family to ensure accessible, comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally competent careFacilitate care by registries, information technology, health information exchange and other means to assure that patients get the indicated care when and where they need and want it in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.Ensure all decisions respect patients' wants, needs, and preferences and that patients have the education and support they require to make decisions and participate in their own care.Continually strive to attend to each patients "whole person," in the context of the patient's personal and medical history and life circumstances, rather than focusing on a particular disease, organ, or systemJob RequirementsEducation: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalentCertification: Dental Assistant Certificate, Current valid CPR certification.Experience: 1-2 years' experience in a dental office or similar setting as a front or back office Dental Assistant preferredVerbal and Written Skills to perform the job: Bilingual preferred. Familiarity with basic word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Accurate keyboarding skills.Technical knowledge and skills required to perform the job: Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and the demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and groups. Demonstrate high levels of self-initiation and direction. Knowledge of communities we serve. Knowledge and experience working in medical settings and interacting collaboratively with medical teams. Skill in analyzing situations and making timely decisions.Physical and Mental Requirements: Work involves sitting, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.La Maestra Community Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or any other protected class, political affiliation or belief.