Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Our mission is to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare and supportive services to our community. Our vision is “Improving the Health and Well-Being of Our Community.” Our core values are Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence. Employees are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission, policies, goals, and philosophy of Harbor Community Health Centers.

JOB SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant provides direct and indirect clinical support to dentists and other dental providers in the delivery of quality patient care. Under the direction and supervision of a dentist, the Dental Assistant assists with patient preparation, clinical procedures, infection prevention and control, instrument sterilization, operatory readiness, and other activities necessary to support efficient dental operations and a positive patient experience.

The Dental Assistant works collaboratively with the dental team to promote quality patient care, maintain a safe and organized clinical environment, and support HarborCHC’s mission, vision, and core values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to be successful in this role. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.

Dental Assistant:

• Escort patients from the waiting area to the dental operatory and, at the conclusion of the visit, assist patients with transitioning to the front desk for follow-up appointments as directed by the provider.
• Review and verify patient medical history and alert the dentist to relevant medical conditions or concerns prior to treatment.
• Obtain and document blood pressure and other clinical information as directed and within the scope of training and applicable requirements.
• Take dental radiographs as directed by the clinician and in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Take and pour study model impressions as directed by the clinician and within the scope of permitted duties.
• Prepare patients for dental procedures and set up appropriate instruments, materials, and procedure trays.
• Assist the dentist during dental procedures as directed.
• Maintain operatory cleanliness and disinfect equipment and surfaces in accordance with established infection prevention, control, and safety procedures.
• Stock and prepare operatories and clinical areas between patients and as needed.
• Clean, sterilize, organize, and maintain dental instruments and supplies in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain dental equipment and promptly report equipment concerns or malfunctions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Follow HarborCHC infection prevention and control standards, including appropriate precautions when working with potentially infectious materials, blood, or body fluids.
• Support an organized and efficient patient flow within the dental department.
• Cooperate with other members of the dental team to achieve department objectives and maintain positive working relationships.
• Provide support and assistance to coworkers as needed to promote quality patient care and effective department operations.
• Maintain professionalism and seek appropriate guidance from the supervisor regarding workplace or interpersonal concerns that may affect patient care or department operations.
• Participate in educational programs, in-service meetings, training, and outreach activities as assigned.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of patient, employee, and organizational information.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Education, Experience, and/or Training:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of an approved Dental Assistant training/course program.
• Current California Dental Assistant certification/registration as required for the duties assigned.
• Current CPR certification.
• Dental Radiation and Safety Compliance certification, as applicable to assigned duties.
• Completion of a Board-approved 8-hour Infection Control course, as applicable.
• Completion of a Board-approved 2-hour California Dental Practice Act course, as applicable.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant dental assisting experience preferred/required based on departmental requirements.
• Knowledge of dental assisting procedures, infection prevention and control, and clinical safety practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with dentists, dental providers, clinical staff, patients, and other employees.
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and maintain attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn and use organizational systems and technology.

Preferred Education, Experience, and/or Training:

• Experience working in a community health center or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) setting.
• Bilingual proficiency, particularly Spanish.
• Experience working in a high-volume dental or community healthcare environment.

EXPECTATIONS

• Adheres to all HarborCHC policies and procedures. 
• Demonstrates HarborCHC’s core values of Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence at all times. 
• Maintains a strong commitment to the mission, policies, goals, and philosophy of HarborCHC. 
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude in all work-related interactions. 
• Communicates regularly with their immediate supervisor regarding departmental and organizational matters. 
• Reports to work consistently and prepared to perform the duties of the position. 
• Meets productivity standards and performs duties as workload requires. 
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all data and information. 
• Demonstrates integrity and accountability in all duties and responsibilities. 
• Performs all job functions in a professional and courteous manner, including responding to phone calls and emails in a timely manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust.

HOURS OF OPERATIONS

HarborCHC is open Monday-Thursday 7:00am-7:00pm, Friday 8:00 am-5:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm.

HR PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must successfully complete post-offer background screening and verification requirements
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

HarborCHC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race; religion; color; sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions); sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; physical or mental disability; medical condition; genetic information/characteristics ; marital status/registered domestic partner status; age; sexual orientation; reproductive health decision-making; military or veteran status; use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace; and any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. This policy applies whether the individual has or is perceived to have any of the characteristics protected by law or is associated with a person who has or is perceived to have any of the characteristics protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements define this position as it currently exists and are intended to describe the general responsibilities and requirements for this job. They are not to be considered as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional duties at the discretion of the supervisor. HarborCHC is an at-will employer.

In addition, HarborCHC may change your duties, compensation or hours, or transfer, reassign, promote, demote, suspend, or otherwise change the terms and conditions of your employment (other than the at-will relationship), with or without cause or prior notice.