Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant 

POSITION SUMMARY

Primarily responsibilities include four-handed chair-side dental assistance in all dentistry assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the health center. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for patient preparation and positioning, clinical area preparation, use of sterile techniques, and performing infection control procedures as well as inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILIITES

• None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (Listed in descending order of importance) 

Embrace the mission, vision, and Guiding Principles of the Board of Directors of Mountain Family Health Centers.

1. Chair-Side Assistance
   1. Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions, and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
   2. Serves as dentist’s or dental hygienist’s chair-side assistant.
   3. Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist’s or dental hygienist’s directions.
   4. Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist following state regulation and law and the Dental Department directive and protocol.
   5. Maintains Dental Department equipment following manufacturer’s directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.
   6. Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control, and safety issues.
   7. Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
   8. Maintains a list of all Dental Department patients, monitors patient flow, and assists the Dental Director, dentist(s), and dental hygienist(s) in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed.
   9. Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care of the Dental Department.
   10. Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits.
   11. Ensure the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment following Dental Department directives and protocol.
   12. Ensure the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials following Dental Department directive, MFHC policy, and state and federal regulation(s).
   13. Performs all functions in full compliance with MFHC’s and the Dental Department's Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
   14. Participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.

MFHC Duties: 

1. Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
2. Takes vital signs, and measures height and weight.
3. Assists with scheduling for specialty care referrals or testing.
4. Phones in prescriptions when directed.
5. Performs general office duties as needed.
6. Accurately schedules all follow-up appointments. 
7. Processes specimens to be sent to an outside laboratory.
8. Recognizes and responds to emergencies.
9. Obtains/maintains CPR certification.
10. Participates in Quality Improvement processes and activities in the organization.
11. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times following HIPAA regulations.
12. Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local, and MFHC rules, regulations, protocols, and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to personnel issues, workplace safety, public health, and confidentiality.

Referrals Duties: 

1. Ensure that the appropriate internal/external providers, facilities, and ancillary services are utilized in the referral process.
2. Document all referrals in EMR/EPM
3. Maintain a history of reporting as assigned.
4. Print and mail referrals/authorizations to providers and facilities daily.
5. Work closely as needed with the providers' review process.
6. Answer phones and maintain documentation, and files as needed.

Patient Registration & Collections:

1. New Patient registration.
2. Verify Established Patient Demographics, including payer information, updating the privacy form and UDS information on the UDS tab.
3. Reviews and addresses issues on the Patient Alert Screen.
4. May participate in the collection of patient co-pays, at the time of office visit, and posting to daily batch.
5. Notify clinical care staff of the patient’s arrival.
6. Provide patients with information related to financial assistance programs.
7. Educate and screen for eligibility for financial programs.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Communication – Possesses excellent communication skills, both interpersonal and written, and ability to work effectively with all levels of employees. Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings; writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods. 

• Health Center Culture – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values; follows policies and procedures; supports organization's goals and values; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; follows instructions; responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan; asks for and offers help when needed.

• Customer Service for Internal and External Customers/Patients – Manages difficult or emotional customer/patient situations; responds promptly to customer/patient needs; solicits customer/patient feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments. 

• Job Knowledge – Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; maintains confidentiality per policy and regulations; fluent in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and job related software and computers; familiarity with social media, databases, and professional networks locally and nationally; uses resources effectively; pursues training and development opportunities; adapts to new technologies; keeps technical skills up to date. 

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics; adapts to changes in the work environment; changes approach or method to best fit the situation.

• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; develops realistic action plans. 

• Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality. 

• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly. 

• Teamwork – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Dental Assistant 1:

1. One year of dental assisting experience is preferred but not required.
2. Must possess current valid CPR and/or BLS certification.

Dental Assistant 2:

1. One year of dental assisting experience is required.
2. Must possess current valid CPR and/or BLS certification. 
3. Must pass all competencies as outlined by the Dental Department.
4. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire or promotion.

Dental Assistant 3:

1. Must possess current valid CPR and/or BLS certification.
2. Successful completion of an accredited dental assisting program (EDDA) and obtaining certifications. 
3. Applicants MUST attach a copy of their dental assisting certificate to their application materials no later than the closing date listed in the announcement. 
4. Must pass all competencies as outlined by the Dental Department. 
5. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire or promotion.

Education or Formal Training & Experience

1. Completion of an accredited course in dental assisting (Certified Dental Assistant) is preferred but not required.
2. Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
3. Current CPR. Employer will provide.
4. Bilingual- Spanish and English speaking, writing, and reading required.

Requirements

1. Must pass a criminal background check.
2. Annual Flu vaccine required. Employer will provide.
3. Obtain PPD for tuberculosis (annually if provider).  Employer will provide.
4. Obtain vaccine records for MMR, Varicella, T-DaP, Hep B and COVID-19.  Employer will provide.

Knowledge, Skill & Ability: (include materials and equipment directly used)

1. Requires a comprehensive knowledge of dental assistance techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry.
2.  Knowledge of modern dental materials, their storage, handling, and applications is required. 
3. The Dental Assistant must be cognizant of the expectations and concerns of the center’s dental patients and be able to respond in an empathetic and professional manner.
4.  The ability to work with persons from a wide diversity of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds is necessary.
5. The Dental Assistant must be able to creatively work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal results for the center’s patients from a system of integrated primary health care.
6. Ability to understand and present verbal instructions and to exchange verbal information is essential.
7. Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with patients and others.
8. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
9. Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks.
10. Ability to work in a Windows-based computer environment.

Physical Requirements and Workplace Environment: 

1. Requires long periods of standing.
2. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 35 pounds. 
3. Requires ability to use routine office equipment such as computers and telephone.
4. Requires the ability to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and reach.
5. Requires sufficient near vision to be able to read documents and computer screens.
6. Requires ability to comprehend both oral and written communications.
7. O.S.H.A. Category 1:  All procedures or other job-related tasks involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues or a potential for spills or splashes of these fluids.
8. HIPAA Classification:  Unrestricted Access: A workforce member with unrestricted access will have full access to patient’s protected health information, including the patient’s entire medical record, for patient care purposes. 

Additional Requirements

Perform such other duties or projects as determined by this position’s supervisor. 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.