Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Registered Dental Assistant

LOCATION: HOPE Clinic - West

REPORTS TO: Assigned Supervisor

EDUCATION: High School diploma or GED. Associates degree preferred, must be registered or certified DA

WORK EXPERIENCE: Minimum of one (1) year of dental assistant experience

STARTING SALARY: $15/ hour

FLSA STATUS: Hourly - Non-exempt

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time

LANGUAGE: Fluent in English; Bilingual in English and Spanish, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese or other languages is required

HOPE Clinic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Assists dentists in all aspects of dental care delivery, including advanced or specialized dental assistant duties.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with patients to make them comfortable in the dental chair and to prepare them for treatments and procedures;
• Sterilize dental instruments;
• Prepare the work area for patient treatment by setting out instruments and materials;
• Help dentists by handing them instruments during procedures;
• Keep patients’ mouths dry by using suction hoses and other equipment;
• Instruct patients in proper dental hygiene;
• Process x-rays and complete lab tasks, under the direction of a dentist;
• Keep records of dental treatments;
• Schedule patient appointments;
• Work with patients on billing and payment;
• May assist more than one dentist concurrently;
• Takes, develops, and mounts x-rays. May perform complex or specialized radiography;
• Sets up and sterilizes exam rooms and equipment, in accordance with universal safety precautions and other safety standards;
• May order and stock supplies and maintain equipment;
• May instruct patients in proper oral health techniques;
• Answers inquiries from patients (faculty, students, and staff) related to clinic administrative functions, and schedules appointments;
• May perform initial assessment or triage incoming patients;
• May assist in training new dental assistants;
• May maintain and prepare dental records and reports;
• Take direction from the doctor and/or hygienist(s), assist them with all dental procedures, and anticipate their needs;
• Perform other duties as assigned to support HOPE Clinic’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Certified or Registered DA;
• Current radiography certification required;
• Dental Assistant certification, as required by state, or ability to become certified;
• Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) preferred;
• Current certification to monitor Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia preferred;
• Experience in a professional environment with direct patient contact preferred;
• Excellent positive attitude and customer service skills;
• Professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the job, including image and both verbal and written communication skills;
• Possess exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills, including conflict resolution skills;
• Strong organization, planning and analytical skills;
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm in a rapidly changing environment;
• Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs as required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

High School diploma or GED. Associates degree preferred. Minimum of one (1) year of dental assistant experience with DA certificate/registered.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Bilingual (Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic and/or Spanish with English) is preferred.
• Above average skills in language ability as well as public speaking and writing.
• Must have good transportation and a valid Texas Driver’s license.