Dental Assistant

Summary: The dental assistant under general supervision performs a combination of duties in connection with providing chair-side assistance to the dentist during non-surgical, oral surgery or other specialization in dentistry and performs related work as required.

Duties and Responsibilities: The authority and duties of the Dental Assistant shall include but not limited to:

1. Checks patients medical history for medical problems, allergies, etc. and reports to the dentist before services begin.
2. Sets up patient in chair with bib and arranges necessary instruments and materials for examination and treatment by the dentist.
3. Prepares and loads syringe for injection of anesthetic.
4. Hands instruments and materials to dentist as he/she anticipating his/her needs in order to avoid delay.
5. Suction debris from patient's mouth and spray water as required.
6. Prepares filling, impression, and cement materials as needed.
7. Records findings of dentist on dental chart.
8. Assists in restraining patient as necessary.
9. Makes certain patient is comfortable and provides reassurance.
10. Take necessary precautions to guard against sudden unexpected movements of patient.
11. Observes the patient closely during treatment and or anesthesia, recognizing and calling to the attention of the dentists any unusual conditions noted.
12. Relays instructions to patient concerning postoperative treatment as directed by the dentist.
13. Cleans instruments and equipment.
14. Sterilizes instruments in dental autoclave or disinfectant as directed
15. Lubricates dental equipment regularly.
16. Develops and mounts dental-rays.
17. Keeps each operatory clean and stocked with dental supplies.
18. Prepares dental clinical records for new patient, making sure all forms and records have accompanied chart from front office.
19. Updates records of patients as treatment is received.
20. Prepares and maintains dentist's daily, weekly and monthly activity reports.
21. Checks all forms after treatment making sure all relevant information has been entered on forms.
22. Makes a weekly dental supply inventory, reporting any re-order items to the CEO; allowing ample time for delivery.
23. Makes sure patient has a follow-up appointment, as indicated, through interaction with business office.
24. Is responsible for all dental records.
25. Keeps confidentially of patient's records at all times.
26. Performs the duties as assigned.
27. Is familiar with the maintenance of all equipment to avoid unnecessary repairs and breakdowns.

Evaluation: The evaluation of work performance, including: specific duties, responsibilities, demeanor, and work ethic, will be ongoing and implemented by the Dental Director and/or Chief Medical Officer per center policies.

Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma and a graduate of an accredited school which awards a certificate as a certified dental assistant. Minimum of one year experience as a dental assistant in a dental clinic is required. 

Compliance: Adhere to company policies and procedures and all Federal, State and Local medical service requirements, to include HIPAA Privacy & Security.

Confidentiality (HIPAA): Every employee is required to sign a Pledge of Confidentiality. Failure to comply with our Pledge of Confidentiality can or will lead to immediate termination of employment. Confidentiality applies to a patient’s Personal Health Information (PHI) and includes: written, oral and electronic communications. Each employee has an obligation to maintain confidentiality after their employment/association with this facility ends. 

Security (HIPAA): Every employee is required to protect their computer log-on and password. You must secure your work area prior to leaving it unattended for an extended period of time. You are required to log-off of your computer and secure your work area prior to leaving at the end of the day. If you have a responsibility for closing or locking files, securing equipment, or locking the building and you do not comply with these requirements, you will be subject to reprimand and/or termination based upon the infraction. We are required by law to protect patient privacy, identifiable patient information, and all properties containing such information.

Physical Requirements: Varied activities include standing, walking, reaching, bending and lifting.  Employee must possess full range of body motion including the ability to assist or lift patients when necessary; occasional weight bearing to exceed 50  pounds,  use of portable stretchers/wheelchairs encouraged. Employee must possess hand-eye coordination with normal range of vision and hearing abilities. This position frequently requires working under stressful conditions and frequently requires irregular work hours.

Environmental Working Conditions:   This position includes both administrative and medical responsibilities. Employee is frequently exposed to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medical cleaning and processing solutions which my included ionizing radiation plus other elements common in a clinical environment.

THIS POSITION IS AT RISK FOR OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
 TO BLOOD AND/OR BODILY FLUIDS