Certified Dental Assistant

Certified Dental AssistantThe Certified Dental Assistant performs a variety of clinical and administrative duties, such as preparing the treatment rooms, sterilizing instruments, and assisting during procedures. The Certified Dental Assistant makes patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepares them for treatment, obtains their dental records, and instructs patients on postoperative and general oral health care. In addition, the Certified Dental Assistant will assist our patients make appointments, assuring their attendance, and connecting them to support services. The Certified Dental Assistant will be responsible for establishing and cultivating relationships with community stakeholders and providers.The position reports to the Director of Dental Operations. No staff report to this position.Essential Job Duties And FunctionsInstruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programsProvide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentistMap out each plan of care and work with individual patients to connect them to free or reduced-cost dental services within the community where they can take their next step in care.Facilitate examinations to patients who otherwise might not receive care.Address patient concerns and work to resolve the issues surrounding them. For example, individuals struggling with transportation barriers may receive a gas card or vouchers for public or private transportation fares (e.g., bus pass, Uber credit).Create a process that will increase the likelihood that a patient will follow up with needed dental treatment.Coordinate local dentists willing to provide free care during community clinic days and recruit volunteers.Track outcomes including number of dentists providing free or reduced-cost services, number of patients accessing transportation, number of patients who receive oral health assessments, number of patients referred for oral health services, number of patients who receive subsequent dental care and other metrics as identified.Assist with reporting program outcomes.Coordinate community clinics pop-up clinics with other TWC staff including patient engagement and communication.Conduct orientation for any new providers and volunteers.Schedule appointments, prepare bills and receive payment for dental servicesComplete insurance forms and maintain clerical records manually or using a computerClinic DutiesPrepare patient, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials and assist dentist and dental hygienist during dental proceduresTake and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patientExpose dental diagnostic x-raysMake preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts. Pour, trim and polish study casts, fabricate custom impression trays from preliminary impressions, clean and polish removable appliances and fabricate temporary restorationsRecord treatment information in patient recordsClean teeth using dental instrumentsApply protective coating of fluoride to teethAssist dentist in management of medical and dental emergenciesAcquire bids and purchase equipment as neededParticipate in weekly program team huddlesPerform other duties as assignedRequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent1-3 years experience in a dental environmentPleasant and courteous personality, along with strong phone and computer skillsExperience with dental health maintenance, use of dental technology, infection control, health promotion, performing diagnostic procedures, etc.Experience with dental practice management software such as DentrixRadiologic certification by the PA State Board of DentistryDental Assistant CertificationCPR Certification