Dental Assistant I

Dental Assistant I

To assist the dental provider in the delivery of dental services to Sea Mar Community Health Center patients demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patients being served.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Anticipate and provide to Dental Providers all necessary chair side assistance using four-handed dentistry technique with procedures in categories as required: Diagnostic, Preventative, Restorative, Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontic, Orthodontics and other services allowed by the Washington Dental Practice Act.
• Identify and categorize each patient's age-specific grouping of needs, such as those for infant, adolescents, and geriatric patients.
• Escort each patient to and from the treatment room. Greet, seat, and depart patients, being courteous and professional at all times, especially when talking to patients or discussing confidential information.
• Provide patient education and instructions to patients before, after, and during any dental procedure.
• You are responsible for communicating provider delays and delays in patient flow to the Lead Dental Assistant, the Dental provider, the patients, and the front desk staff.
• Participate in scheduling appointments arriving, and departing patients in Dentrix and registering patient in Allscripts PM.
• Have the ability to complete thorough, accurate charting in Dentrix using S.O.A.P. or P.A.R.T.S. format.
• Obtain accurate blood pressure readings and other vital signs as directed by Dental Provider.
• Maintain proper sterilization methods and OSHA regulations in all clinic areas including treatment rooms and the sterilization areas.
• Perform the responsibilities outlined in the "Task & Duty List" (Dental Department Policy) or outlined by the supervisor or Regional Dental Manager.
• Participate in the training of new employee and/or dental trainees.
• Assist in doing inventory and the ordering of dental supplies.
• Participate in the Quality Improvement Activities of the Dental Department and of Sea Mar Community Health Centers (assigned by a lead dental assistant or the immediate supervisor).

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Completed a formal Dental Assistant program at a College, Technical Institute or equivalent.
• Registered with the Washington State Department of Health, and keep their registration updated annually.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR within 90 days of hire date and is required to maintain current BLS CPR throughout employment.
• Must be able to read and write in English. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to define and problem solve, collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee may be required to share work space with other employees. Adequate lighting and equipment are available to the employee. Use of ergonomic office furniture will be used when available and appropriate. Some traveling may be required.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands that must be met by a Dental Assistant are those required to successfully perform the essential functions of dental assisting in dentistry. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requirements for performing the duties of this job as a dental assistant: The position regularly requires the physical demands to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Must be able to lift or move a child or object of an average weight (up to 50 lbs.). Vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distant, vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Hourly - Hourly Plan, 22.34 USD Hourly

What We Offer:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Prescription coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Paid-time-off starting at 24 days per year + 10 paid Holidays.
• 401(k)/Retirement options
• Opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment

Sea Mar is an equal opportunity employer.

Sea Mar Community Health Centers