Dental Assistant

Dental AssistantSign on bonus: $1,000Reports to: Lead Dental AssistantStatus: Non-Exempt (Hourly: $18.00 - $25.00)Job purpose: To deliver a full range of oral hygiene services and education to Heartland Health Center patient panel. Dental Assistant reports directly to Lead Dental Assistant. In compliance with Kansas Dental Board, under direct supervision of staff dentist when LDA is not present.Duties and responsibilities:Check patients in for dental visits:Perform needed x-raysObtain vital signs (i.e. electric and manual blood pressure)Perform needed blood glucose monitoringSet up instruments for procedures/examinationsAssure all forms are completed for proceduresReview health history and transfer information to the clinical note completely and accuratelyAssist dentists and/or dental hygienists in daily clinical and operational activities including but not limited to:Use four-handed practices at chair sideProvide proper instruments during procedure to the dentistMake chart entries under the direction of the dentist or dental hygienistRecord all findings and treatment plans completely and accurately in the patient's chartActively participate in keeping the provider on schedulePrepare patients for procedures and ensure that appropriate instructions and equipment are arranged and readyMaintain a clean oral working area prior to, during and post exams/proceduresPromote an atmosphere of good dental and general health by demonstrating good personal oral hygieneEducate patients on techniques of flossing, brushing, overall oral health, and the role of the dental care teamClean and sterilize instruments appropriatelyFollows infection control protocols and standard operating proceduresComplete required daily, monthly, and annual equipment maintenanceWears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)Lab duties include pour and trim models and fabricating traysRemove the biohazard trash as neededAnswer patient inquiries related to pain and/or medicationsPerform all duties in accordance with OSHA regulationsIs attentive to patient and provider needs including dentist and dental hygienistAttend meetings as required (Joint Staff, Department, etc.)Completes assigned trainings in timely mannerPerform other duties as assignedSkills required:Knowledge of HIPAA privacy rules and regulationsEnthusiasm for working as a member of a team in a rapidly changing environmentWillingness to educate patients and the community in oral healthcare and the role of the dental care teamAbility to manage multiple tasks and prioritize them to provide appropriate, efficient, and quality patient careExcellent customer service skills and ability to interact with unsatisfied patients and coworkers effectively and respectfullyAbility to work well with children, elderly, and special needs patientsExcellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skillsAbility to anticipate and react calmly in emergency situationsSkill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, coworkers, and the publicAbility to evaluate statistics and data and make appropriate recommendationsAbility to work under pressureAbility to accurately document procedures in electronic recordMust be able to document in a neat, legible manner and be able to spell dental terminology correctly and use proficient grammar, spelling, and punctuationAbility to follow written policies and proceduresEffective and efficient time managementExcellent organizational skillsAbility to work independently and use good judgmentAble to communicate with others to effectively convey informationKnowledge and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)Knowledge of standard office machines including copier, fax, multi-line phones, printers, scanners, etc.BLS CertificationQualifications:High school diploma or equivalent is requiredAny combination of education and work experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifyingSpanish Bilingual preferred, but not requiredMust have and maintain CPR certificationSocial and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse participant and employee baseHigh energy, positive, ability to work autonomously, flexibility, teamwork, attention to detail, and high degree of initiativeAgrees to uphold Heartland's guiding values of Compassion, Respect, Collaboration, and IntegrityRegular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the jobPerforms assigned clinic housekeepingSocial and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse participant- and employee-baseDisinfects operatories and patient seating between patientsAlways observes universal precautionsArrives to work on timeAttire is clean and neat.Maintains good personal hygieneDriving and maintaining company vehicleWorking conditions:Sits and walks throughout the dayMay be exposed to infection and contagious diseases, and unpleasant patient or unit elementsHandles emergency or crisis situationsSubject to many interruptionsMust be able to function in a high stress environmentJob tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other peopleRequires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions and outdoorsRequires the ability to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people and other conflict situationsPhysical requirements:Requires repeating the same physical activities or mental activities over and overRequires walking and standingRequires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controlsRequires bending or twistingRequires lifting equipment less than 100 lbs. (loading and unloading equipment)Details:Hours M – F from 7:30 am – 7 pm as needed. (approx. 40 hours per week)Hours are approximate and may be altered by supervisor(s) as needed.