Dental Assistant

NATURE OF POSITION

Performs those duties that assist the dentists and hygienists in the care of and treatment of patients.
Performs duties in the fields of reception, chair-side assisting, inventory, and records.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and/or Equivalent Experience: High School Diploma or GED
• Graduate of accredited dental assisting program or dental assisting experience preferred
• Maintain a valid Dental Assistant Permit with the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, work independently and within a team environment
• Effective verbal communication skills to communicate with patients and staff
• Ability to move more than one task at a time and flow from one task to another smoothly
• Ability to continue a task after an interruption and adaptable to change
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and staff
• Is able to motivate patients to follow guidance given to them by dentists and hygienists

SALARY GRADE AND CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

RESPONSIBLE TO: Dental Director

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains a professional demeanor, always keeping in mind that the front desk makes both the
  first and last impression on each patient
• Answer phones and schedule patient appointments and handle those calls according to current
  policies and procedures
• Greets patients upon arrival and obtains necessary patient documents in accordance with policy,
  prior to treatment
• Works in harmony with others and exhibits a positive attitude and a commitment to the basic
  mission of the organization
• Exhibits caring qualities consistent with the values of the community health center
• Exhibits awareness of cultural factors and shows competence in reducing barriers to the provisions
  of health care services
• Assumes responsibility for correctly entering all required registration and insurance information
  on established and new patients into the computer. Also verifies the above information as needed
  to ensure that it is correct
• Securely store and handle patient records in accordance with policy and compliance with state and
  federal requirements, including the HIPAA Privacy and security regulations
• Provide patient instruction upon check-out and demonstrate, when necessary, i.e. proper oral
  hygiene techniques and post-treatment care
• Arrange patient charts and radiographs for the next day’s appointments
• Track cases and referrals to and from other doctors
• Keep dental areas stocked and clean
• Disinfect treatment rooms according to policy and OSHA regulations
• Sterilize instruments and handpieces according to Policy and OSHA regulation
• Monitor inventory and order dental office supplies as needed
• Adhere to strict infection control policies and protocols to protect patients and staff
• Be an active participant in team meetings and promote team concept by interacting with others in
  the office
• Performs other related duties assigned by supervisor
• Crosstrain on Dental Assistant II job duties as allowed by the State Board of Dentistry