Dental Assistant

Teche Action Clinic, A Federally Qualified Health Center, per Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, is currently seeking qualified applicants for a Dental Assistant Position in Morgan City, Louisiana, but will travel to Houma, Louisiana.

JOB SUMMARY:

The qualified Dental Assistant is a highly competent individual possessing skills and knowledge of value in patient care.  The responsibilities assigned to the assistant are limited by the regulation of the Dental Practice Act of the State of Louisiana and the following position description.  Assists the Dentist during examination and treatment of patients by performing the following duties. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

•  Prepares patient for treatment
• Assists Dentist during dental procedure 
• Sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up trays, prepares materials for dental procedures.
• Take and records dental histories and vitals signs in patients charts in Dental Health record.
• Takes digital dental diagnostic x-rays on patients and mounting appropriately in Dental Health record, as ordered by the Dentist.
• Makes preliminary alginate impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
• Assists Dentist in management of Medical and Dental emergencies.
• Instructs patients in appropriate oral hygiene strategies and plaque control programs.
• Applies protective coating of fluoride to teeth.
• Assist patient in feeling comfortable before during and after treatment.
• Provides post-operative instructions to patients, as prescribed by Dentist.
• Records treatment information in patient records.
• Schedules Appointments, when needed.
• Confirms scheduled patients appointments prior to appointment dated.
• Maintains supply inventory for treatment rooms and sterilization rooms.
• Orders supplies.
• Communicate with patients and suppliers, as needed.
• Cleans ultrasonic cleaners, autoclave, dental chairs and lines, etc. as per manufacturers instructions.
• Maintains Safety Data Sheets logbook.
• Takes spore test weekly and maintains logbook of results.
• Reviews patients charts prior to the end of business to be certain all charting and notes are complete

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/Experience:

• High School Diploma or Completion of High School Equivalency Exam
• Certified Dental Assistant and/or Two years of practical work experience
• Proof of successful completion of x-ray and safety precautions program accepted by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

Communication Ability:

• Communicates with patients in a clear and professional manner
• Explains scheduled treatment to patients
• Communicates and provides post-operative instructions to patients

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Certificate
• National Certified Dental Assistants Certificate
• X-ray and Safety Precautions Certificate
• BLS Certificate

Reasoning Ability:

• N/A

Computer Skills:

• Windows
• Microsoft Word
• Power-Point

Professional Skills:  

• N/A

Benefits Package:

• Medical, Vision and Dental Health Insurance
• Accidental Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Long Term Benefits
• Short Term Benefits
• Free Life Insurance
• 401K Plan Benefits 
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• Set Schedule
• No Weekends
• National Health Service Corps Site
• 11 Paid holidays
• Family-Friendly Work Environment
• Eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness through Federal and State Programs

Eligibility Requirements:

• All employees must meet eligibility standards in order to be considered for the position applying for. Internal applicants must be with be with the organization for at least one year, with no disciplinary actions on file. If you have not been with the organization for a year, approval from your direct supervisor will be needed.

                         **Due to CMS Mandate all applicants must be fully vaccinated prior to onboarding with TAC with the exception of an approved Medical or Religious Exemption.**