Bilingual Dental Assistant I-Per Diem

Job Summary

The Dental Assistant I will be proficient with the following :

• Dental Assistant Protocol : Provide quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists independently and other staff in a variety of patient care, radiology, and laboratory duties through proper training and support.
• Clerical and Chart Management : Responsible for follow up with the patient visit understanding of dental treatment planning.
• Customer Service : Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customers and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Specific Competencies.

1. Dental Assistant Protocol :

a. Assists chair side independently and provides dental care to patients.

i. Performs all dental assistant procedures allowable under Washington State Law.

ii. Educated in following Infection Control and Operatory Preparation following CDC and OSHA regulations.

iii. Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs

iv. Participate in School, Headstart, EPIC, Migrant Camp offsite outreach programs.

b. Maintains the uniformity of operatory equipment.

i. Checks for outdated and expired inventory.

ii. Tags out and / or locks out unsafe or damaged equipment.

iii. Maintains the standard use of materials whenever possible at all clinic sites.

iv. Maintains all headpieces and dental equipment on repair or requested services, as needed.

c. Demonstrates and maintains competency with digital and panoramic radiology.

d. Keeps the operatories and laboratory stocked, organized and safe.

i. Responsible for opening / closing, maintenance, and organization of the operatories / lab each working day.

ii. Assists in inventory, storage and supply ordering.

e. Follows all procedures as outlined in the Clinic Safety Manual and Dental Clinic Blood Borne Pathogen Compliance Manual.

i. Explains the rationale for infection control and occupational safety protocols according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hazard communication standards.

ii. Demonstrates Universal Precautions techniques.

f. Central Sterilization

i. Opens and maintains central sterile room when needed.

ii. Performs the duties of the central sterile technician as needed.

2. Clerical and Chart Management :

a. Ensure all patient records and related documents are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.

i. Demonstrates and maintains competency with patient chart entries.

ii. Affect favorable billing and collection outcomes. Ensure all patient services and billing information is collected and submitted timely and accurately.

iii. Schedules appointments, prepares cost estimates, and maintains records manually or enters data into computer system.

iv. Documents Recall tickler (both exam and Hygiene) following each visit (refer to Recall protocol).

v. Prepares dental referrals and lab slips as requested by Dental Provider.

vi. Documents No Show in chart with follow-up phone call (refer to no Show protocol).

3. Customer Service

a. Greets patients and visitors with a warm and friendly manner.

b. Provides information for all inquiries both in person and in the phone.

c. Communicates clearly and accurately with patients, dentists and co-workers.

d. Provides accurate verbal translation, when required.

e. Performs AIDET 100% of the time; 90% proficiency score must be maintained.

4. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems that will support the clerical duties.

a. Use of dental department phone system.

b. Assists patients with information and educational materials as approved by supervisor and other CVCH programs.

c. Ensures completion of paperwork by the patients while reviewing and updating dental records.

d. Assists as a backup for front desk function, as needed.

5. Monitors and reports non-compliance or risk to Dental Director and Dental Operations Manager.

a. Notifies Dental Director and Dental Operations Manager if unsafe conditions develop.

b. Reporting safety and feedback incidents following Quality and Accreditation (Q&A) protocols.

General Duties and Responsibilities

1. Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by supervisor.

2. Expected to be prepared to start shift at scheduled time, meet attendance standards, and work the hours necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.

3. Conforms to safety policies, general housekeeping practices.

4. Demonstrates sound work ethics, flexible, and shows dedication to the position and the community.

5. Demonstrates a positive attitude, is respectful, and possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity toward clients and co-workers.

6. Keeps customer service and the mission of the organization in mind when interacting with all clients, co-workers, and others.

7. Employees are expected to embrace, support and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion and quality which align with the CVCH mission statement through their actions and interactions with all patients, staff, and others.

8. Conforms to CVCH policies and Joint Commission and HIPAA regulations.

Job Specifications

1. Education : High School Diploma or equivalent. Dental Assisting school certificate preferred.

2. Certification / Licensure : Registered as a Dental Assistant with the WA State Department of Health. Accreditation from a Dental Assisting program preferred. Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR required or must be able to obtain within first 90 days of employment.

3. Experience : None required, dental assisting experience preferred.

4. Language Skills : Bilingual in English / Spanish required.

5. Essential Technical / Motor Skills : Ability to handle delicate equipment, knowledge of dental instruments, equipment and procedures. Knowledge of computer applications and equipment related to work. Effectively work in a multi-task environment, prioritizing tasks properly, and completing tasks / projects in a timely manner. Basic computer experience; adequate typing; ability to communicate with fluency in English / Spanish.

6. Interpersonal Skills : Shows demonstrable leadership skills, ability to act as an informal leader, and work well with other clinic services / departments. Excellent customer service skills. Ability to work in a collaborative team work environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of consumers in a diverse community. Develop and maintain effective working relations with peers, patients, other agencies, contracted providers, and the public. Able to work well independently, learn quickly and adjust work assignments in response to system changes. Caring attitude, commitment to serving low- income patients.

7. Essential Physical Requirements : Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 20 pounds on a regular basis and on occasion must be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Standing and / or walking for more than four (4) hours per day. Hold dental equipment in patient's mouth for long periods of time. Standing, sitting, and walking throughout the work period in a fast-paced clinic. Work is performed in an interior medical / clinical environment.

8. Essential Mental Abilities : Excellent attention to detail. Knowledge of technical dental practices, filling preparations, sterilization techniques and lab procedures. Knowledge of teaching aids and methods. Ability to communicate effectively especially in community health education programs. Knowledge of office routines and record keeping procedures.

9. Essential Sensory Requirements : Essential sensory requirements include the ability to : read computer keyboard, monitor, and documents; prepare and analyze documents; read extensively; hear, recognize, and assess verbal presentations of patients; receive and convey detailed information orally, by telephone and in person; convey accurate and detailed instructions by speaking to others in person and by telephone.

10. Exposure to Hazards : Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks (i.e. Blood, Sharps, Needles), which requires following basic safety precautions. Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require knowledge and understanding of OSHA protocols.

Blood / Fluid Exposure Risk

Category I

1. Tasks routinely involve a potential for mucous membrane or skin contact exposure to blood, fluids or tissue. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), when appropriate, is required

Age Specific Competency

1. Neonatal (Birth - 30 days)

2. Infant (30 days to less than 1 year)

3. Pediatric (1 year - 12 years)

4. Adolescent (12 years - 18 years)

5. Adult (18 years - 65 years)

6. Geriatric (65 years - Death)

Telecommuting

Compensation

$20.33 / hourly PER DIEM wage.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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