SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Dental Director, provides a range of clinical, administrative, and staff support to a full-range dental services operation. Assists in the performance of dental and radiography procedures; prepares and maintains dental equipment and supplies in accordance with established protocol and procedures, policies, standards, and assists in the coordination of day-to-day patient administration, records management, and office support activities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides chair-side assistance to dentist in the performance of dental procedures.
- Prepares, sterilizes, and organizes dental supply and dental equipment according to OSHA and Clinic Standards.
- Maintain housekeeping records.
- Sets-up trays for procedures.
- Takes radiographs as directed by dentist (only assistants who have completed courses on radiation safety).
- Develops and processes dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders.
- Assists in the monitoring and maintenance of radiation safety procedures and protocols.
- Orders and maintains inventories of dental clinic supplies.
- Interacts with and processes dental clinic patients.
- Performs telephone triage and conducts patient interviews.
- Maintains dental laboratory slips.
- Creates and maintains dental records in accordance with established protocol and procedures.
- Assists in monthly reporting and quality improvement activities.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by the Dental Director.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certificate from accredited dental assistant program
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Successful completion of California Board of Dental Examiners-approved radiation safety course
- 1-2 years’ experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
- Prior experience working with a Federally Qualified Health Center
- Bilingual English/Spanish
SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS:
- Current knowledge of and ability to follow a full range of dental clinical procedures and protocols.
- Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services.
- Knowledge of ordering and inventory control.
- Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.
- Ability to work as a team member within a clinical environment.
- Interviewing skills.
- Communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task.
- Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.
- Ability to set up and prepare dental equipment and instrumentation in accordance with established regulations and guidelines.
- Knowledge of Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidelines for the provision of dental outpatient services.
- Records maintenance skills.
- Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of dental equipment in accordance with prescribed procedures and standards.
- Four-handed dental assisting technique.
- Knowledge of sterilization procedures.
- Knowledge of radiation safety procedures, standards, and protocols.
- Ability to develop and process dental radiographs.