Dental Assistant

Job Summary: The dental assistant supports the dentist to meet the needs of the patient. The dental assistant provides direct aid to the dentist including preparing patients for treatment, cleaning/sanitizing instruments and equipment and assisting the dentist during procedures. In addition, the Dental Assistant conducts various office tasks required for insurance processing/billing within a comprehensive, patient centered oral healthcare clinic for adults and children. The Dental Assistant must treat within the scope of practice for the State of Michigan.

Job Responsibilities:

• Ensures all actions, job performance, personal conduct and communications represent the organization in a highly professional manner.
• Collects patients medical history and vitals including blood pressure and pulse.
• Assists the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures for children and adult patients.
• Takes, develops and mounts dental radiographs (x-rays); takes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth) and dental procedures.
• Advises patients, parents or guardians concerning, diet, hygiene, and disease prevention; provides health and wellness advice to patients/families based on dental office protocols and the dentists recommendations.
• Effectively communicates with other health care providers or community resources to provide comprehensive, all-encompassing care.
• Educates patients/families and the community about oral health related disease and prevention and self-management of acute and chronic dental conditions; recommends interventions to modify behaviors associated with health risks.
• Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health including, tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling.
• Performs office management tasks including those necessary for scheduling and confirming patients, entering documentation into patients records per doctors request, for the authorization of treatment, insurance processing and claims billing.
• Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment as an infection control measure.
• Provides patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling).
• Assists in the provision of direct patient care in all dental specialties including pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery.
• Participates in a multidisciplinary care team and identifies problems and provides feedback to team members regarding a solution.
• Assists with the workflow of the clinic as needed including registration and rooming of patients and the completion of intake paperwork.
• Orders and keeps documentation of supply orders, invoices, work orders, etc.
• Maintain an organized inventory supply system.
• Ensures continuous flow of communication with the Dental Director to enhance the quality of service to our patients.
• Participates in the integration of services including primary and pediatric care, behavior health, dental services, and supportive housing; serves as a resource to other providers and staff.
• Takes part in performance improvement activities such as medical staff team huddles, quality assurance audits, continuing education, and Patient Centered Medical Home processes.
• Participates in meetings/conferences and continuing education and demonstrates a genuine desire to develop strategies for improved clinic operations and high-level patient care.
• Ensures certification remains current and valid
• Assures patients rights are being maintained at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Must possess a certificate from an accredited dental assistant program required
• Minimum of two (2) years of recent dental experience required; five (5) years of recent dental experience preferred
• Successfully pass required state and/or national examinations highly preferred
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) highly preferred
• Experience in treating patients of all ages; Dental experience with children/adolescents preferred
• Must be proficient with Electronic Dental Records and other databases/systems
• Must meet all Continuing Education requirements
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices; must be comfortable with community outreach
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Must maintain confidentiality relating to treatment in accordance with HIPAA guidelines

SKILLS

• Critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills
• Must demonstrate an ability to remain calm and perform effectively and professionally during peak periods of activity and in emergency situations.
• Good chairside manner helps patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment
• Must be able to work cooperatively with staff and others involved in the delivery of service to patients

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Walking, sitting, and/or standing for prolong periods of time may be required
• Able to lift 20 lbs.
• Normal office environment with exposure to noise, dust, or extreme temperatures.
• Must be available to work all hours scheduled. These include but are not limited to early mornings, evenings and weekend hours as determined by the organization and Leadership.
• Work hours may shift depending on project or program needs.
• May have close contact with clients and/or their living environments which could include potential exposure to contagious diseases, unpleasant odors and/or to bug/pest infestations.
• Interacts with a patient population exhibiting severe and persistent mental illness
• Must possess and maintain an acceptable background check clearance, certifications, licensures and/or trainings as required by the office, federal/state/county agencies, and other entities