Entry-Level Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

INTRODUCTION:

Central Neighborhood Health Foundation is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) committed to the Triple Aim as described by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Improving the US health care system requires simultaneous pursuit of three aims: 1) improving the experience of care, 2) improving the health of populations, and 3) reducing per capita costs of health care. Preconditions for this include the enrollment of an identified population, a commitment to universality for its members, and the existence of an organization (an "integrator") that accepts responsibility for all three aims for that population.

SUMMARY:

A full time, non-exempt position responsible for assisting the dentist (s) and dental hygienist(s) in direct provision of primary care dental services to patients and of the center. The RDA/DA is responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. RDA/DA works on behalf of the patient and the dentist, helping to assure a high level of professional excellence in oral health care delivery.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following functions:

• Assists in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants;

• Prepares each operatory and patient for treatment;

• Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology;

• Provides active chair side assistance to the Dentist and anticipates the provider’s needs;

• At the conclusion of patient care, assists the patient, clears the work site and prepares for the next patient.

• Monitors the flow of laboratory cases;

• Monitors and records sterilization cycles;

• Maintains and inventories supplies;

• Helps to manage patient flow in clinic; and

• Follows proper infection control protocols for the practice

• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment; prepares the operatory for the patient visit;

• Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; Collects and records patient health histories;

• Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze and other required supplies;

• Prepares dental materials—cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.

• Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions;

• Assists with dental charting as appropriate;

• Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies;

• Manages the patient during dental procedures;

• Provides active chair side assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs;

• Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards and custom tray. Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently. Pours models with no bubbles, properly trim models, and polish dental prosthesis;

• At the conclusion of the procedure, assists patient, clears work site of instruments and other materials; follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient;

• Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility;

• Performs, monitors and records all sterilization activities;

• Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments;

• Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks operatory;

• Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow;

• Maintains and inventories dental supplies and reorders as necessary; tracks and verifies invoices;

• Cleans and sterilizes all instruments; helps to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards;

• Performs miscellaneous duties within the Dental Program as assigned.

• Polish the patient’s teeth to remove stains and soft deposits;

• Apply topical fluoride and varnishes;

• Apply pit and fissure sealants;

• Remove surgical sutures;

• Adapt temporary crowns;

• Place topical medications; and

• Remove excess cement from fabricated restoration and orthodontic bands.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED;

• CPR certification; and

• On the job training or Certification in Dental Assisting.

• Current California RDA license

• Ability to perform detailed work according to established formats and protocols

• At least two years of experience in a clinical setting preferred.

• Fluent in: Spanish preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Writing skills, reporting skills, supply management, scheduling, computer and office skills, organization, time management, verbal communications. Requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Policy

Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at CNHF. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided.

This policy does not apply to absences covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or leave provided as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These exceptions are described in separate policies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Variations in conditions may occur under certain circumstances.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Maintains patient, employee, and Foundation confidentiality at all times, discussing patient or employee business only with appropriate parties who have a bona fide need to know; and communicating only the minimum amount of information necessary with respect to protected health information (PHI) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

1. AGREEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

2. I HAVE READ THE ABOVE JOB DESCRIPTION AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH AND WILL PERFORM ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.