Dental Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols. Prepares patients for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating and draping patients. Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentists access; suctioning and passing instruments. Assist in educating patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control and postoperative instructions.

POSITION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Takes Digital Radiographs (via computer/sensors)
• Asking about the patients medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse
• Serving as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment according Joint Commission and OSHA Standards
• Follow Charles Drew Health Centers HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restorations.
• Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing flossing and nutritional counseling) under the supervision of dentist.
• Taking impressions of patients teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
• Performing office management tasks that often require the use of computer
• Communicating with patients (e.g. scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, treatment follow-up and billing)
• Communicate with Dental Office Administrator regarding inventory/ordering dental supplies, dental equipment maintenance.
• Helping to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including pediatric dentistry and oral surgery.
• Candidate should be flexible and willing to work at other locations as scheduled.
• Candidate should be available to work some evenings and weekends as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned by Senior Dental Director or Dental Office administrator.

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

• A philosophy of collaboration and teamwork.
• Clinical credibility with the dental provider and support staff.
• Models behavior which promotes trust and compassion for all CDHC patients
• A mission-driven individual who can embrace and commit to Mission and Core Values; articulate about stewardship.
• A philosophy of management by being present, actively engaged and being a servant leaders.
• A self-starter, results-oriented personality.
• High tolerance for complex, ambiguous, and ever-shifting environments, including a matrix management structure.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus; noticeable skills in engaging Providers, support staff and patients.
• The ability to relate well to a wide variety of individuals. Comfortable working in groups, forming teams and understanding how to create change through influence and not through direct authority.
• Evidence of showing firmness of resolve with Providers, support staff, colleagues and patients.
• Analytical with the ability to draw conclusions from the data.
• Has the attitude of prioritization not scarcity.
• The ability to hear, to understand, to reflect, and to mediate on issues.
• A sense of humor and the ability to generate optimism in fellow team members.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Education: H.S. Diploma or Equivalency. Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program preferred.
• Licensure: CPR & AED Certification, certification in coronal polishing and radiology or completion within 6 months of employment.
• Experience: Ability to chart, proficiency in reading and entering data in EDR, proficient in basic computer skills, written dictation ability, customer service skills required, and preferred one year Dental assisting experience.
• Language: English or Bilingual
• Hours of Work: 8:00a.m. 5:00pm, some weekends.
• Working hours may vary depending on organization and dental clinic needs.
• Travel: Flexible to travel to other Charles Drew dental clinic sites as needed.
• Extended Work Hours as needed or upon approval
• Exposure: The exposure characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. For example, while performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. Additionally, the employee may occasionally be exposed to blood borne and other hazardous chemicals. Finally, the noise level in the work environment can occasionally be quite loud. In all cases personal protective equipment will be provided to the employee in combination with adequate ventilation and other engineering controls to minimize the risk of exposure or other hazardous occurrence.
• Physical: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with special challenges to perform these essential functions.