Dental Assistant/Client Service Specialist (Float)

Position Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being.

• Transparency -We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity -Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:

The Dental Client Service Specialist supports patient care services provided by the Dental Clinic. The Dental Client Service Specialist is responsible for performing clinical tasks in accordance with all Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and Dental Program protocols. This position will work with the clinical team to create and maintain efficient, patient-centered daily clinic operations while providing comprehensive public health services to all Harris County Public Health Dental Clinic patients seeking dental services.

This position is funded through Special Revenue.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Receives, screens, interviews client for eligibility determination, and registers clients; Co-pay collection, and receipt creation following financial services guidelines; prepares daily/weekly financial reconciliation report for submission to finance
• Performs all duties required as part of four handed chairside dental assisting; takes and records vital signs; takes prescribed dental radiographs and/or intraoral photographs; chart patient diagnoses in Dentrix electronic dental record as dictated by dentist
• Answers telephone inquiries from clients and others; screen calls to determine nature and urgency of inquiry, refers calls as appropriate, and/or schedules appointment with dental clinical staff; instructs patient as needed regarding visit-type; confirms scheduled appointments and updates appointment status in Dentrix electronic record
• Performs operatory set-up for each dental patient including barrier placement on high touch areas; procedure set up including instrument and dental material selection according to planned procedure
• Obtains patient histories, and insurance approvals as appropriate, prepares and updates dental charts and associated records; scans all correspondence into Dentrix electronic record
• Performs infection control and instrument sterilization according to dental policies and procedures; performs weekly biologic monitoring for autoclaves; performs daily, weekly and monthly dental preventive maintenance; reports any equipment malfunction or repair needs to supervising dentist
• Performs in-operatory support for all dental staff during the dental visit as needed
• Provides oral hygiene and post-operative instructions to patient under the guidance of the dentist
• Participate in school based and community events to promote oral health
• Other duties as assigned

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you need special services or accommodations, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io

Requirements

Education:

• Texas Registered Dental Assistant

Experience:

• At least six (6) months experience in a dental clinical setting as a dental assistant

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Texas Driver's License (upon hire)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Certification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work well with public and staff members
• Must use your personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.