Dental Assistant

Qualifications

Ability to work under Direct Supervision of a Dentist and perform work in accordance with the CA Dental Board regulations for Dental Assistants (see attached list page 3-4)

Work Experience

2 years of Dental Assisting

Education

High School diploma, Completion of accredited Dental Assisting

Skills

Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Time Management, Writing, Critical Thinking, Negotiation, Judgment / Decision Making; Social Perceptiveness; Coordination

Examples of Duties

• Prepare patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, or assist dentist during dental procedures
• Take dental impressions as instructed by the Dentist
• Expose dental diagnostic x-rays
• Fabricate provisional crowns
• Clean and polish removable appliances
• Document and chart findings, treatment plans and progress notes for provider approval
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs
• Maintains and enhances competency through in-services, staff meetings and educational programs.
• Use masks, gloves and safety glasses to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases

Additional Responsibilities

• Order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory
• Patient reception and dismissal
• Appointment book control and maintain recall system
• Block out times for reserved emergency and new appointments
• Ability to interpret Material Safety Data Sheets
• Maintaining and controlling business area
• Patient follow-up treatment calls
• Incoming mail, invoices, packing slips and statements (forward to appropriate person for verification and/or payment)
• Maintaining file system
• Ordering and receiving supplies

Definitions

Direct supervision, a circumstance of treatment in which the dental professional must be present on the premises to diagnose, authorize, and approve all work performed on the patient by the members of the dental staff.

Travel Requirements

Occasionally may travel to other sites to attend meetings or training; occasionally overnight for training.

Tools & Technology

Tools: Dental tools included but not limited to: dam supplies such as molar clamps or rubber dam forceps, dental forceps, pliers, hand pieces and accessories; Autoclave; Photocopiers; Scanners; Faxing equipment; Computers and Keyboards; Telephones

Technology: Data software - NextGen; Microsoft Office programs; Electronic Mail – Microsoft Outlook

Knowledge

Medicine; Customer and Personal Service; Mathematics; English Language; Infection Control; HIPAA; MSDS; Medical Terminology; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Abilities

Oral Comprehension; Oral Expression; Written Comprehension; Written Expression; Problem Sensitivity; Deductive Reasoning; Inductive Reasoning; Near Vision; Speech Clarity; Speech Recognition; Arm-Hand Steadiness; Finger Dexterity; Category Flexibility; Control Precision

Work Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others; Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates; Working Directly with the Public; Getting Information; Interacting With Computers; Performing Administrative Activities; Making Decisions and Solving Problems; Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work; Communicating with Persons Outside Organization; Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships; Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People; Documenting/Recording Information; Inspecting Equipment or Materials; Interpreting the Meaning of Information

Work Styles

Integrity; Dependability; Attention to Detail; Cooperation; Independence; Initiative; Self Control; Adaptability/Flexibility; Concern for Others; Stress Tolerance; Social Orientation

Work Context

Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of the job, with or without accommodation. Prospective employees must complete a pre-employment medical exam (Occupational Group IV) which will measure the ability to:

• See well enough to read fine print and view a computer screen; speak and hear well enough to understand, respond, and communicate clearly in person and on the telephone; independent body mobility sufficient to stand, sit, walk, lift or move, stoop, and bend to access the work environment and a standard office environment; manual dexterity and sufficient use of hands, arms and shoulders to repetitively operate a keyboard and to write; and the ability to sit or walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally may be required to lift/move or assist in lifting/moving up to 50lbs.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Work Environment: Generally a typical office environment.

This position will be a float between the clinic and our mobile van