Dental Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Dental Assistant is responsible for efficient, patient-centered care. The Dental Assistant provides quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists, dental hygienists and other staff in various patient care, office, and laboratory duties. The Dental Assistant supports the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through the timely, accurate, and professional preparation of patients and patient information. 

KC CARE CULTURE CODE 

KC CARE follows a culture code in all we do. Our code determines how we work, treat each other, and move health equity forward. As an employee of KC CARE, you will: 

• Put patients first, always 

• Treat all people with dignity, respect, and kindness 

• Create safe places for others to share their voice; encourage creativity 

• Always strive for improvement; keep learning 

• Own your work, action, and mistakes – no one is perfect 

• Have fun – work should be fun, and we want you to have fun at KC CARE 

KC CARE CULTURE VALUES 

Exceptional Service: We value exceptional service in providing unconditional whole-person care to everyone with the promise of a personalized and affirming experience for patients. We promise to treat internal and external partners with dignity, respect, and kindness to facilitate the opportunity for all to succeed. 

Inclusion and Belonging: We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging by focusing on differences that promote creativity and acceptance across the organization. We promise to create a safe environment for individuality to flourish. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Clinical 

• Collect and record patient health histories and document patient care accurately and promptly. 

• Provide direct patient care under the guidance of a dentist, assisting with examinations, procedures, and treatments. 

• Assist oral health providers by organizing and preparing instruments for use and assisting as needed during procedures. 

• Expose and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality. 

• Ensure patients are comfortable throughout the treatment process 

• Provide patient preventive education and oral hygiene instructions. 

• Follow through with post-visit duties—including EHR documentation, scheduling follow-up appointments, and preparing and disinfecting the exam room.  

• Assist with daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual maintenance.  

• Assist with daily clinic opening for preparation of patients and clinic closing routine. 

• Assist dental provider(s) with pre-visit planning. 

Administrative  

• Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology, and equipment in the collection of patient data and records management. 

• Read, write, and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation. 

• Provide backup support to Customer Services Representatives (CSRs), including office duties as requested. 

• Maintain and follow all sterilization processes, policies, and protocols, established by the Centers for Disease Control and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, carry out infection control procedures, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of instruments. 

• Ensure operatory supplies remain stocked and coordinate routine equipment maintenance with the Lead Dental Assistant. 

• Maintain clinical flow by prioritizing patient needs. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• Basic Life Support Certification 

• At least one year of Dental or Healthcare experience 

• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks. 

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS 

• Completion of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) dental assisting program 

• Certified Dental Assistant 

• Expanded Function Dental Assistant active certification-Restorative, Fixed or Removable. 

• Nitrous Certification 

• Spanish speaking 

• Possess knowledge of dental practices, procedures, and the proper use of dental care devices and equipment. 

• Demonstrate success in customer service or patient services, preferably in a medical or dental care facility. 

• Proficient in computer skills including scheduling, word processing, and reasonable keyboard skills. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Working Conditions 

General working conditions are in a healthcare facility. As such, there is a potential exposure to virus, disease, and infection from patients while performing the duties of this job. May experience traumatic situations including psychiatric traumatized and deceased patients. Travel may be expected to community meetings, client homes, or other agencies. 

Physical Demands 

While performing duties of this job, employees are regularly required to set, walk, and stand; talk and hear; both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel, or operate standard office or clinical equipment; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.  

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read, analyze, and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve non-routine and complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with others outside of their department. 

Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. Scheduling, shift assignments, and location may be changed at any time, as required by business necessity.