Dental Assistant

Job Description

Position: Dental Assistant

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Clinical Services Officer

Location: Denver

Position Summary: The Dental Assistant Demonstrates outstanding customer service skills to greet all patients and visitors, maintains administrative/clerical duties for office which includes answering incoming calls, scheduling patient appointments, maintaining patient files, assisting with clinic billing and working with multiple database systems.

Essential Job Functions:

• Answers and returns all calls in a timely manner; assesses callers’ needs and directs to appropriate

• personnel when required

• Schedules patient appointments in a productive and efficient manner

• Promptly and accurately updates patient records including financial and demographic information Handles dental emergencies, new patient referrals, gathers necessary information, and schedules appointment accordingly

• Accurately collects co-pays, deductibles and other out of pocket expenses at time of visit Follows up with patient to reschedule any missed appointments.

• Helps oversee maintenance and alteration of office areas and equipment, as well as layout, arrangement, and housekeeping of office facilities.

• Works closely and communicates consistently with the Intake Coordinators and Clinical Staff to ensure continuity of care

• Demonstrates an understanding of patient confidentiality to protect the patient and clinic/organization Prepares correspondence, memos, forms and other typing as requested by supervisor

• Efficiently handles multiple clerical/administrative tasks in a fast paced environment and learns new skills quickly

• Covers for other front office operations as requested

• Achieve professional dentist and staff relations through teamwork to ensure coordination of activities

• Achieve quality, positive patient relations through excellent customer service skills to ensure no patient complaints Order and maintain dental supplies and equipment staying within the monthly office budget

• Other duties may be assigned.

Clinical Duties:

• Prepares patient, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up instrument trays, prepares materials, and assists dentist during dental procedures

• Takes and updates medical and dental histories and vital signs of patient, records treatment in patient record

• Prepares for and takes dental diagnostic x-rays

• Makes preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts

• Pours, trims, and polishes study casts, fabricates custom impression trays from preliminary impressions, cleans and polishes removable appliances, and fabricates temporary restorations

• Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies

• Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs

• Provides postoperative instructions as prescribed by Dentist

• Ability to work with and assist multiple providers

• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

Dental Assistant Certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. X-Ray certified, CPR certified.

Software Utilized:

Experience working with basic office and database computer programs, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, SharePoint and the internet.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability:

Knowledge of HIV and related issues. Understanding of the Harm Reduction Model and Motivational Interviewing. Cultural Competency/Sensitivity. Excellent communication, client relations and management skills. Highly organized and detail oriented. This position requires personal and professional accountability; self-management and initiative; dedication to quality improvement, professional integrity and research ethics and cultural competency. Must demonstrate accuracy, efficiency and excellent organizational skills. Must demonstrate effectiveness in the following areas: task management; teamwork; time management; and communication with teams, managers, clients, and company consultants.

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

Works with standard office equipment including computer work station, printers, copiers, scanners and fax machine. Works with word processing software, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software. Communicates with clients and vendors using the telephone, e-mail, the Internet, and fax. Occasionally works with or coordinates a team to work with a shovel, vacuum, mop and broom and dustpan.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions:

Works in an office environment. May travel to offsite locations. Requires ability to lift up to 50 pounds of materials. Requires clear speaking ability and the ability to use a telephone for extended periods. Requires ability to view a computer screen (near acuity). Requires fingering agility for keyboarding and using a telephone and other office equipment. Requires ability to perform occasional snow removal and de-icing. Requires ability to perform light cleaning tasks.