Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The part time Dental Assistant will assist dentists, hygienists and patient access specialists in the direct provision of primary care dental services and the treatment and education of patients. Maintain dental equipment, instruments, and the patient care environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide chair-side assistance to dentist and hygienist in the performance of procedures, complex treatments and special tests.
2. Assist dental staff in performing patient activities including comprehension of dental terminology, recording medical & dental histories, patient vital signs, charting, and dental radiographs and securing the appropriate consent forms as needed.
3. Prepare operatory for patient care for daily activities by cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining equipment and maintain an efficient schedule of patients.
4. Maintain a clean well-equipped clinic, properly functioning equipment, and organized patient care areas. Record/report data as directed through daily assignments.
5. Notify appropriate staff of patient requests which need follow-up: referrals, and appointments.
6. Reinforce after-care instructions to the patients and explains the treatment plans to the patients, to include the patient’s contribution for treatment advised.
7. Assist in the sterilization of dental instruments, preparing dental trays for dental procedures, stocking supplies as needed.
8. Assist with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse incidents during treatment of patients.
9. Complete patient scheduling duties and cross train to provide backup coverage to the dental Patient Access Specialist
10. Ensure prosthodontic cares are returned in a timely manner from the dental lab and are available for the patient’s next appointment.
11. Work as a member of the dental team and with other departments to ensure coordination of activities.
12. 12. Follows all HIPAA and OSHA guidelines and regulations, including assisting HIPAA and OSHA Officers in ensuring compliance.
13. Maintains confidentiality of patient information/records at all times
14. Maintains established San José Clinic policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.
15. Implements job responsibilities in a manner that is consistent with the San José Clinic Mission and Code of Conduct and is supportive of San José Clinic cultural diversity objectives.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent
2. Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant program
3. Registered with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners to perform radiographs.
4. Must have a minimum of 1 year experience in chair side and 4 handed dentistry, including records management and sterilization.
5. Hold and maintain current CPR-BLS certification.
6. Possesses excellent knowledge of general dentistry procedures.
7. Can demonstrate organizational skills, multi-tasking, and effective use of time.
8. Ability to operate computer, copier, and fax machine.
9. Experience with Microsoft Office and practice management system software applications.
10. Knowledge of standard office policies and procedures.
11. Knowledge eligibility requirements.
12. Can demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
13. Can demonstrate effective customer relation skills, working with diverse populations, often in stressful fast paced environments.
14. Can demonstrate organizational skills, multi-tasking, and effective use of time.
15. Ability to deal professionally, courteously and efficiently with the public and all levels of the organization.
16. Ability to communicate with dental terminology in English and Spanish required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

1. Ability to sit, stand, bend and stoop for (long) periods of time.
2. Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally/frequently.
3. Ability to work in a stressful environment.
4. Ability to respond to emergency/crisis situations.
5. Exposure to noise.
6. Exposure to blood and/or body fluids.