Surgical Dental Assistant (DHWC)

The mission of Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) is “ Serving Humanity to Honor God ” by improving the physical, mental, and spiritual health of those least served in the Rio Texas Conference area of The United Methodist Church.

Essential Duties:

• Maintains patient confidentiality and complies with all federal and state health information privacy laws.
• Receives, prepares, and dismisses patients.
• Uses four and six-handed dentistry techniques to include passing instruments, retractions, and material preparation. Uses parallel and bisecting angle digital and panoramic radiographic techniques and CBCT.
• Sets up instruments and materials for all clinical procedures performed.
• Helps obtains patient history of medications and medical conditions.
• Charts existing dental conditions and treatments.
• Presents treatment plans, consultations, consent forms and discusses follow up visits and reviews post operative instructions.
• Takes, records, and monitors vital signs.
• Prepare IV set ups, assist in venipuncture, adjust, and maintain IV fluid flows during procedures.
• Provides oral health education.
• Takes impressions.
• Makes minor adjustments to flipper, essix retainers.
• Records and maintains logbooks such as PPE, sterilizer, radiology, MSDS, dental implants, pathology, and medical clearances etc.
• Maintains surgical supply lists.
• Maintain surgical equipment.
• Disinfects and wraps environmental surfaces in the dental operatories.
• Disinfects and sterilizes instruments, equipment, and all office areas.
• Perform Post Op instructions and Post Op calls to establish patient recovery.
• May triage dental emergencies.
• Responsible for organizing implant orders and coordinate implant supplies with general dentists.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Willing to become credentialed at Methodist Hospital to assist with cases.
• Schedule procedures and follow-up visits
• Willing to participate in self study programs to become DAANCE certified.
• Assist with procedures under moderate & deep sedation.
• Willing to become ACLS certified.
• Create Implant concierge cases.
Management of CBCT reports and incidental findings.

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 general education degree (GED); and graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant Program and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of OSHA standards, digital radiographs preferred.

Language Ability :

Ability to read and interpret documents. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other team members. Fluent in English required; Spanish bilingual required.

Reasoning Ability :

Ability to apply understanding to carry out instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with occasional or no variables.

Certificates and Licenses :

RDA certified by the State of Texas required. Dental Radiology certified required. CPR certified preferred. Candidate must be willing and able to work towards achieving certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Dental Anesthesia Assistance National Certification Examination (DAANCE). Hospital credentialing will be initiated at the surgeon’s discretion. All licenses, certifications and credentialing must be maintained.

Computer Skills :

Demonstrate working knowledge of the Internet, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel, and proficient skill with electronic health record software.

Other:

Must be able to drive and have access to a car; maintain valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance. Flexibility required for occasional after clinic hours hospital case assistance.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is exposed to a medical office environment having direct contact with patients and clients. Position necessitates bending, stooping, twisting, turning, walking, climbing step stools, sitting, and standing for periods of time. Must be able to lift and maneuver 25 pounds.