Dental Assistant

Position DescriptionIf 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.This position is funded through special revenue. Position Overview: The Client Service Specialist, Dental Assistant, supports patient care services provided by the Dental Clinic. The Dental Assistant 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 HCPH Dental Clinic patients seeking dental services. 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 financePerforms 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 dentistAnswers 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 treatments.Obtains patient histories, and insurance approvals as appropriate, prepares and updates dental charts and associated records; scans all correspondence into Dentrix electronic record software.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 the supervising dentist.Performs in-operatory support for all dental staff during the patient visits as needed.Provides oral hygiene and post-operative instructions to patients under the guidance of the dentist; participates in school-based and community events to promote oral health. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Requirements Education: Texas Registered Dental Assistant Experience: Six 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 Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) 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 membersMust 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.General Information Position Type and Typical Hours of Work: This is a full-time position | 40 hours per week.Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM but these times may vary due to the variability of an event-based schedule.Other days and hours as necessary. Work Environment: This job operates in both a clinical environment as well as in alternative community based settings including mobile dental events in different locations throughout Harris County.This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and scanners. Physical Demands: Must possess the physical ability and manual dexterity to assist the dentist and dental hygienist with direct patient care in a dental clinical setting. Work Location: Harris County Public Health: Dental Mobile TeamPrimary Reporting Address: 7457 Harwin Dr. Suite 324. Houston, Texas, 77036This position is part of the Mobile Dental Team, which requires travel to multiple community locations within Harris County, as directed. Applicants must be flexible and willing to work at various locations. Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department. Harris County Employee BenefitsHarris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:Medical CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageWellness PlanLife InsuranceLong-Term Disability (LTD) InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Healthcare Flexible Spending AccountDependent