Dental Assistant - Temporary

Position Title: Dental Assistant Department: Dental Reports to: Dentist Position Overview The Dental Assistant performs duties such as preparing the patient for treatment, assisting the dentist in restorative dentistry or oral surgery, preparing materials and equipment for treatment and having them ready for the dentist’s use, taking x-rays and assisting the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work including, but not limited to, making appointments, answering the phone, ordering supplies and handling dental billing. Duty/Responsibilities Greets patients in the waiting area and escorts patients to the vital area to record patient’s vital signs. Assists the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist. Promotes an atmosphere supportive of good dental and general health by demonstrating good oral hygiene, questioning patients to ascertain home‑care status, instructing patients in techniques of flossing and brushing in accordance with protocol. Maintains a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures. Reviews the health history, makes chart entries under the direction of the operator and ensures completion of forms and signatures. Assumes responsibility for any expanded duties delegated by the dentist. Familiarizes the patient with the aspects of their dental visit and provides support and compassion when needed. Stocks operatories and maintains the clinical supply inventory. Reviews the daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments. Assists in front‑office procedures if time allows or as directed by the Dental Director or Dentist. Supervises preventive maintenance of dental equipment. Undertakes continuous self‑improvement, attending applicable training, seminars, in‑services, and educational courses to maintain skills, competency and current knowledge for standard of care and effective practices. Responsible for following all agency safety and health standards, regulations, procedures, policies and practices. Serves as supply liaison, communicating with the purchasing department and vendors to ensure prompt receipt of all orders. May perform the following procedures: Size stainless‑steel crowns, temporary crowns and bands. Place post‑extraction and periodontal dressings. Coronal polishing. Identify, initiate and implement measures to deliver high‑quality care to patients and improve services. Respond efficiently and timely to all patient and provider staff needs and inquiries. Ensure excellent customer service to all FHCCGLA patients. Work with the operations managers to manage patient scheduling and flow to address bottlenecks and scheduling issues. Handle patient grievances according to FHCCGLA’s policy and procedure. Assist in developing, updating and reviewing FHCCGLA policies and procedures (P&P’s) as needed. Ensure HIPAA compliance by maintaining strict confidentiality of all patient data and EHR / Practice Management System according to regulations. Attends the following meetings and trainings: Mandatory Quarterly Staff Meeting/Training – Quarterly (Jan., Apr., Jul., Oct.) Corporate Risk Management Meeting – Quarterly (Jan., Apr., Jul., Oct.), as needed. Clinical & Operations (C&O) Meeting – As needed. Meetings with FHCCGLA’s Executive Leadership – As needed. Other pertinent meetings – As scheduled. Stays informed on: Current legal and regulatory changes related to scope of practice. Specific programs/payors, insurances accepted, and services offered at FHCCGLA. All applicable policies & procedures. Promotes and believes in NHSI mission statement “Health for All”. Relates to the public regardless of ethnicity, religion, and economic status. Performs any other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school graduate (or GED). Current CPR Certification – required to be kept up to date. FQHC experience – highly preferred. Excellent analytical skills. Motivation to take initiative to ensure all tasks performed are completed thoroughly and accurately. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of administrative principles and procedures. Computer knowledge preferred (e.g., NextGen EHR & PMS, Microsoft Word and Excel). Proof of completing radiation safety course. One year experience as a dental assistant. Certificate for coronal polishing recommended. Demonstrate knowledge of dental health education subjects. Ability to complete forms in an orderly and accurate fashion. Use sound judgment, possess a calm disposition, and work easily with people. Bilingual English/Spanish and familiarity with Hispanic culture. Access to automobile with valid California driver’s license and required insurance. Work schedule may include evenings, overtime, and weekends as needed. Ability to prioritize workload and work under pressure of deadlines. Ability to meet tight, time‑sensitive deadlines. Motivated and committed to providing high‑quality healthcare for indigent and underserved communities. Willingness to adapt to changes related to the agency’s growth and expansion. Ability to speak Spanish – preferred. Familiar with computer‑based dental recording and charting. Proficient at digital radiographs. Maintain dental logs. Additional Eligibility Qualifications Ability to work well with others in a professional and team‑oriented environment. Well‑developed interpersonal skills, a friendly personality, and ability to motivate staff by promoting teamwork. Excellent communication skills. Willingness to travel. Strong planning and organizational skills. Problem analysis and critical thinking skills. Excellent customer service skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles, Inc.