Dental Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs duties that assist the dental providers and staff in the care and treatment of patients within their scope of practice.  Performs a variety of duties including but not limited to chair-side assisting, laboratory, inventory, outreach programs, record keeping, and general office and equipment maintenance.  Affect the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients, related information, and procedures.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Achieve Results

1. Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with dignity and compassion.
2. Ensure all patient records and related documents are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPPA, HRSA, and departmental/facility regulations.
3. Affect favorable billing and collection outcomes. Ensure all patient services and billing information is collected and submitted in a timely manner with accuracy.

Operational Excellence

1. Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as company policies and procedures.
2. Follows all OSHA standards and institutional policies as stated in Regulatory Compliance Manual(s) and Health Center Policy and Procedure Manual

Relationships

1. Develop favorable relationships with all patients. Instruct patients and their family members on general oral health care, care of prosthetics, and/or information related to post-treatment care as appropriate.
2. Establish favorable working relationships with all staff members, in addition to team members.

Stewardship and Professionalism

1. Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.
2. Complete continuing education to retain state license and certificates.
3. Participates in designated activities and projects as assigned by the Dental Director or Chief Medical Officer or any other supervisor.
4. Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization.
5. All other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Prepare and maintain dental instruments, materials, and equipment.
2. Collect, record, and clarify patient health history data (dental and medical) for providers. Ensure information is accurate and clearly communicated.
3. Obtain and document dental history or chief complaint.
   1. record and report pertinent observations and patient reactions to dentists and other staff, as appropriate
4. Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after treatment.
5. Reviews patient’s charts for any pertinent information/modifications, ensuring quality patient care is communicated and delivered.
6. Collaborates with other team members to obtain patient prior approvals and pre-estimates.
7. Uses care, precision, and skill when performing duties related to patient services.
8. Provide relief and support for dental admissions. Are available to learn and practice these skills.
9. Advise patients in oral hygiene and dental care. Follow through with patient management duties and coordinate any care modifications that are required.
10. Coordinating, directing, and assisting with outreach programs
    1. Assists in transportation of equipment and set up.
11. Completes and maintains all case/lab correspondences. Ensures all correspondences and cases are delivered to the correct case/provider and are maintained as mandated by the dental practice act in addition to maintain the dental health record.
12. Collaborate with other medical providers in the care of patients.
13. Collaborate with entire dental team in promoting oral health and designing oral hygiene regimens for patients.
14. Maintains organization and stock of dental supplies in all areas.
    1. Understands HRSA regulations and FHCSO policy and procedure with resources and supplies.
    2. Uses discretion and stewardship with supplies.
15. Expose, process and mount radiographs using standard safety measures.
    1. Maintains and updates Radiation Safety Program annually.
    2. Maintains and monitors all dosimeter badges.
16. Works within their skill level and scope of practice. Actively obtains feedback. Consistently works on acquiring new skills and strives for excellence in all care and services.
17. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setup and materials.
18. Works to foster teamwork and collaboration to achieve results and quality patient care.
19. Participates in designated activities and projects for PCMH as assigned by the Chief Medical Officer.
20. All other duties as assigned.