DENTAL ASSISTANT

Job Purpose:   Provides dental assistant services according to licensing protocols and under the appropriate supervision and provides receptionist duties     Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Note: Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at the sole discretion of Sycuan Management at any time)   Performs morning opening procedures in preparation for patient care Greets patients and maintains a safe clean working environment Seats patients and informs the dentist that they are present Takes and processes x-rays as directed by the dentist Prepares the treatment tray in preparation for dental care Assists the dentist within established licensing and supervisory limitations Adheres to standards for infection control and personal protection in accordance with SMDC, local, state and federal OSHA regulations Disinfects the dental operatory prior to and after patient care Maintains the dental unit vacuum unit solids collector (trap) and lines Replenishes the dental unit distilled water supply Cleans, organizes and stocks inventory in the dental operatory, sterilization area, laboratory and darkroom Maintains, sterilizes and disinfects all x-ray machines, processors, sterilizers, operatory equipment, dental hand-pieces, procedure instruments and other equipment utilized during daily operations Documents the sterilization inventory board to maintain adequate supply inventory Completes laboratory work as needed and manages cases to be sent out and the return date for their delivery Performs and documents the inventory of all department equipment Performs and documents the testing and maintenance of sterilizers, eyewash stations, emergency resuscitation gear, defibrillator and fire extinguishers Answers the telephone and provides information and services according to scripted protocols Responds to recorded messages and forwards calls and inquiries as needed Calls patients to confirm scheduled visits and to fill available appointments Calls laboratories, vendors, contracted entities and medical/dental providers to ensure continuous operations and facilitate patient care Coordinates dental appointments according to sequenced treatment plans, required procedure time and conforming to current templates Informs dental providers and assistant staff of appointments scheduled on the basis of urgent care or Tribal priority Manages hard charts and opens electronic charts as needed and in preparation for scheduled dental visits Provides patients with appropriate registration forms, obtains insurance eligibility information and creates new electronic and hard patient charts Updates electronic and hard patient charts with current identification, contact and insurance/billing information Completes registration of patients into appropriate existing SMDC databases Monitors and maintains the integrity of the electronic daily patient schedule Delivers the patient hard chart to the treatment room and notifies all department staff of patient arrivals and schedules changes both verbally and electronically Provides and obtains electronic and physical patient signatures on treatment plans, consent documents, information release waivers and notification of SMDC practice policies Manages chart documents for FAX, scan and copy in accordance with current policy and HIPAA restrictions Reports workplace hazards and safety issues promptly according to SMDC and OSHA regulations Complies with the posted General Industry Safety Orders Code of Safe Practices Performs afternoon closing procedures after the completion of patient care Maintains strict confidentiality with regard to all components of the patient dental record, other personal information acquired during the performance of job duties and concerning SMDC and interdepartmental discussions Attends all full staff and departmental meetings Attends and participates in all SMDC drills, trainings and unscheduled meetings conducted during hours of operation Performs all job functions in compliance with SMDC policies and procedures Under indirect supervision Performs extra-oral duties or functions in compliance with the California Dental Board Committee on Dental Auxiliaries and as directed by the supervising dentist Operates dental radiographic equipment for the purpose of oral radiography in compliance with section 1656 of the California Business and Professions Code Under direct supervision Performs duties in compliance with the California Dental Board Committee on Dental Auxiliaries and as directed by the supervising dentist Job Specifications: Education and Experience: Essential: X-ray technician license Certificate of Completion from accredited Dental Assistant School California coronal polishing certificate Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification High School diploma or GED equivalent Desirable: Tribal clinic experience Dental assistant/receptionist experience California Registered Dental Assistant License California cavitron scaler certificate California dental sealant certificate   Skills and Knowledge: Essential: Working knowledge of dental office procedures Working knowledge of electronic dental practice management data-bases Working knowledge of laws and regulations governing the management of dental records Working knowledge of MS Office Working knowledge of FAX, scanner and copy machines Working knowledge of MS Outlook and web search browser Ability to key 30 words per minute Ability to communicate and interact effectively with patients and staff Ability to complete forms and documents Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions Ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to communicate effectively in English Ability to appear for work on time Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours at a time Ability to lift up to 40lbs Ability to routinely bend, reach, pull, and push Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor Ability to adhere to SMDC work attendance and punctuality policies Ability to maintain professionalism and composure Ability to appear for work on time Ability to accept constructive criticism Desirable: Proficiency in Dentrix dental practice management data-base Proficiency in Micro Soft Office Registered Dental Assistant license Multi-lingual Understanding of Native American culture, customs, and history   Supervisory/Managerial Accountability: Direct:          None Indirect:        None