Dental Assist Partnership

Purpose:
The Dental Assistant provides assistance to a licensed oral surgeon/dentist under his/her direction and provides general clerical and receptionist functions for the dental clinic under the supervision of the Clinic Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates understanding of age-specific needs of the dental client population. Demonstrates appropriate precautions for blood/body fluid exposure.Performs care/services with respect for the patient's dignity, privacy, individuality, and rights.
• Performs sterilization of dental equipment. Organizes operatories, stocks supplies, checks for integrity of package, sterility, and expiration dates with the exception of medications.Maintains operatory disinfection according to regulatory requirements.Provides a safe and secure environment for the patient.
• Is accountable and adaptable to all Clinic safety procedures, continuing education requirements, operational procedures, corporate compliance requirements, disaster plans, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of the use of dental equipment.
• Works cooperatively with ancillary services and outside agencies.
• Bills Medical Assistance and all third-party payors in a timely fashion and keeps up to date with provider requirements for the same.
• Communicates and documents concise, appropriate, and accurate information to the healthcare team.
• Responds appropriately to emergencies (i.e. cardiac arrest, fire drills, etc.)
• Pulls patient charts and assures that all paperwork and reports are included for the dentists. Responsible for filing Clinic documents efficiently and accurately.
• Properly registers new patients and obtains consent forms and insurance information; prepares new patient charts and enters patient information into the computer system. Schedules patient appointments. Types of referral letters.
• Assists dentists and oral surgeons under his/her direct supervision. Performs radiographs, as ordered, including exposure and development under the direct supervision of an oral surgeon/dentist.