RDA - Escondido Clinic

Dental Assistant

Position Summary : Assists the Dentist at chair side in the concept of four-handed dentistry and prepares patients in a manner that will instill confidence in the staff and services of the Dental Division.

Essential Functions of the Job :

• Complies with all aspects of patient intake such as taking and recording of blood pressure, pulse, tobacco status, medical alert review and documentation of medication list. Review and records clinical notes in detail, treatment results, treatment planning, consents, referrals, and any other pertinent documentation on patient records with accuracy.
• Coordinates the preparation of reports and written documentation including patient records, as required by the department, company, state and federal agencies.
• Performs a wide variety of patient care activities and assists chair side in the concept matrices, handed dentistry to include duties and procedures specific to the RDA scope such as fabrication, cementing and adjustment of temporary crowns, coronal polishing, placement and removal of temporary sedative fillings, impressions, applying non-aerosol and topical agents, removing post-extraction and periodontal dressing, assisting in the administration of nitrous oxide, holding anterior matrices and placing and removing rubber dams.
• Maintains a smooth, constant flow of patients from reception to operatories; coordinates the activities of several operatories through proper utilization of time, resources, abilities, and patient needs.
• Complies with established OSHA policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards. Ensures the established infection control techniques are administered in accordance with department policy to maintain a safe and pleasant environment.
• Review patient records for accuracy and completeness; explains treatment recommended by the dentist in a manner that is understandable and supportive.
• Prepares equipment, instruments, material and operatories. Performs routine maintenance of equipment and restocking of materials.
• Operates X-ray equipment to make complete and / or selective oral radiographic services. Develops film by digital, automatic or manual processing methods, mounts and labels X-rays.
• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Maintains and submits orders to maintain an adequate inventory of forms, clerical supplies, Xerox paper and equipment.
• Maintain privacy of all patient, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need to know basis for business purposes. Comply with all HIPAA regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities :

Job Requirements

Experience Required : 1 year of experience as dental assistant with Dentrix workflow.

Education Required : Post High School Vocational / Specialized Training.

Certifications Required : Current RDA License. Radiation Safety Certificate. Coronal Polish Certificate. CPR / BLS certificate.

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job : Excellent communication skills. Bilingual helpful (English / Spanish). Ability to put patients at ease and give clear understandable directions of treatment recommended by dentist.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job : Four handed dentistry, full scope dentistry procedures and oral radiographic services. Computer skills involving word processing, email and dental management programs such as EPIC are preferable.

Equipment Used : PC, Fax, other office equipment, dental laboratory equipment, X-ray machine, Amalgamator, Asistina, Ultrasonic Cleaner, Autoclave and other sterilization equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements : You will be required to engage in prolonged, extensive, frequent, and repetitive standing, sitting, walking, stooping, twisting, kneeling, reaching, crouching, bending, and position changes to examine and service patients, which may involve getting into awkward positions to access patients' teeth. You must be able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally. Moderate noise levels from dental drills and other lab equipment should be expected. Protective gear, including masks, safety glasses, and rubber gloves, is mandatory. Working in close quarters and near other people with little space between yourself and others is a necessity. Exposure to radiation, mercury, and anesthetic gases is a possibility. You may encounter contaminants, diseases, and infections while working with patients. Manual dexterity and mobility are crucial, including the ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving, quickly move your hand, grasp and manipulate objects, and demonstrate exceptional hand-eye coordination, control, and finger dexterity to use dental implements for exams, mixing, placing materials on dental tools, products, and in mouths, and assemble very small objects. Occasional travel. May be required to work evenings and or Saturdays, and attend meetings outside clinic working hours. Will on occasion work at schools or WIC sites. Will work with blood and blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training on a yearly basis.

Universal Requirements : Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.