Job Summary: The dental assistant provides dental care, dental office support, entry of data and clinical notes into the electronic dental record for the dental/oral health program. The dental assistant works cooperatively with health center dental director and other members of the dental staff to provide comprehensive oral health care to the patients of Promise Community Health Center.

FULL TIME – 36 HOURS

SALARY RANGE: Hourly Position

REPORTS TO: Dental Coordinator

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepares operatory and dental clinic areas for treatment activities by placing necessary instruments, supplies and equipment for the procedure/dental care to be provided.
2. Cleans, disinfects, sterilizes and maintains dental instruments and equipment.  Performs minor equipment repair; replenishes clinic supplies.  Maintains list of equipment for maintenance and instrument/supply inventory.
3. Assists dental providers at chair side in providing treatment to patients with varying age-related, dental health, psychosocial and cultural needs.
4. Prepares, maintains, and completes patient records consistent with clinic policies and procedure.  dentist and hygienist schedules and registration rosters.
5. Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist and in accordance with the state practice act, including tooth polishing, vital sign measurement, fluoride application, primary impressions, lab support, and x-rays
6. Provides patient support through scheduling of appointments, responding to phone calls, and overall education of treatment.
7. Maintains the electronic dental health record system, ensuring that data is entered accurately and completely to meet current standards of care.
8. Provides documentation for third party dental claims and assists in following up on outstanding claims as requested.
9. Attends trainings and workshops as needed to remain current in the field of dental assisting. Shares and disseminates information from trainings and workshops with dental health team.
10. Performs other necessary duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Basic office skills such as typing and filing.
• Good organizational skills.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• One year of clinical dental assistant experience is preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.
• Must have the ability to work as a team member, establishing effective relationships with patients and staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to sit for long periods of time, is required to use routine office equipment to talk, hear, write, and read small print.

PROMISE BENEFITS: