Dental Office Aide

At Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, we honor all members of our community and acknowledge the dignity of each person we serve. Our purpose is to provide high quality, comprehensive primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill counties with a special emphasis on migrant and seasonal farm workers and a view to removing barriers to health care. We strive to provide an environment that welcomes and values the people we employ and serve.If you are unsure whether you meet all of the required qualifications for this role but are interested and passionate about this potential position, we encourage you to apply.Starting Rate : $23.7252 / hr DOESchedule : Flexible. Equivalent to at least 40 hours or more for every 6 months of the programJob Summary : The Dental Office Aide assists in performance of quality, caring, and clinical dentistry by preparing operatories and sterilizing or disinfecting clinical equipment. The Dental Office Aide will also assist the dentist, dental hygienist and dental assistants (DA-I and DA-II) with sterilization of instruments and with chairside dental assisting when appropriate. Basic training for chairside dental assisting will be included in on-the-job training as a way to prepare this position to pursue additional dental assisting training and work opportunities. The Dental Office Aide may also support in administrative tasks as assigned.Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Sterilize instruments before and after patient use. Disinfect operatories before and after use.
• Appropriately select / use correct cleaning method (manual or mechanical) and cleaning chemicals required for each item. Accurately load / unload and operate ultrasonic cleaners, autoclaves, etc. to ensure items are clean and safe for handling. Keep hand pieces properly maintained. Ensure that vacuum lines, unit, chair, light, instruments, and try set ups are thoroughly disinfected and properly sterilized at all times
• Set up instrument trays and prepare materials for patients treated by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Ensure rooms are properly equipped and stocked with inventory and re-order when necessary.
• Perform regular maintenance of equipment throughout dental office. Verify correct cycle parameters, ensure spore tests are done regularly and monitored.
• When called upon, assist the dentist or dental hygienist in layout of instruments and transfer of instruments utilizing approved dental assisting principles. Basic dental assisting skills will be taught on the job. Assist the operator in preparation and delivery of dental materials when requested.
• Assist dental hygienist with periodontal charting or other charting needs.
• Assist front desk staff with administrative tasks.
• Learn and comply with Virginia Garcia's administrative and clinical policies and procedures.
• Adhere to OSHA compliant uniform attire and basic personal hygiene standards as per VGMHC policy.
• Comply with State and Federal OSHA laws, infection control, safety standards in the dental office and operatory, including but not limited to : wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) barriers such as gloves, gowns, and eye-wear, disinfect and sterilize instruments and treatment areas, and properly dispose of contaminated or bio-hazardous waste / materials.
• Notify supervisor of equipment trouble / need to report an issue or any general safety concerns.
• Maintain professional working environment within the office team.
• Attend and participate in office meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Attend continuing education and training seminars as scheduled.
• Provide supportive care for patients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Handle protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).HIPAA RequirementsThe Dental Office Aide will have access to PHI in the course of carrying out their duties. Applying the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA, the designated records sets to which this employee will have access include : the full dental chart, the full medical chart, all information in the practice management system, and all other billing and account information.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
• Excellent customer service skills and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, write and understand information.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, patient focused environment.
• Ability to effectively sterilize treatment rooms and instruments according to company policies and procedures and in accordance with State and Federal laws for infection control.
• Proven sensitivity to inter-cultural, social, and economic issues.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a professional team.
• Willing to support team members to accomplish daily activities.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish, both spoken and written, is preferred.Education and Experience :
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be currently enrolled in an approved Dental Hygiene study program.
• Previous experience in a clinical environment required.
• Previous experience as a dental assistant preferred.
• Certificate of Radiology Proficiency, preferred.Behavioral Competencies : Accountability : Role model VG's mission, vision, and shared valuesCustomer-Focus : Listen to the voice of the customer and strive to delight them by exceeding their expectationsTeamwork : If someone needs help, help themInitiative : Be innovative, apply fresh ideas, and continuously improve how you do your workConfidentiality : Maintain strict confidentiality and respect the privacy of othersEthical : Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and stewardship in all encounters at workRespect : Demonstrate consideration and appreciation for co-workers and patientsCommunication : Demonstrate the ability to convey thoughts and ideas as well as understand perspective of othersPhysical Requirements :
• Sitting : 20%
• Standing / Walking : up to 85%
• Use of computer : 25%
• Lifting / Carrying : less than 5%
• Physical demanding tasks : Must be able to lift / carry up to 30 lbs. on occasion
• Ability to stoop, bend : will reach frequently.Working Environment / Physical Hazards :
• Work in well-lighted, ventilated environment.
• Possible exposure to blood borne pathogens and potentially hazardous chemicals; expected to observe proper infection control procedures.Equipment Used :
• Computer
• Telephone
• Fax / copier / printerImmunization : Staff members must meet immunization requirements as stated in VGMHC's immunization policy and state and federal guidelines.Job descriptions represent a general outline of the essential and major job duties, functions and qualifications required. They cannot be all-inclusive and comprehensive due to the dynamic nature of work performed to accomplish VGMHC's Mission.VGMHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from consideration for employment because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, veteran status, marital status, or physical challenges. The policy applies not only to recruitment and hiring practices, but also includes fairness in placement, promotion, transfer, rate of pay, and termination. Learn More

Salary : $24