Dental Assistant

Job summary/Overview

The Dental Assistant (DA) will provide quality care and services to patients by assisting Dentists and other staff in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. The DA affects the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate, and professional patient interactions. The DA will assist in all dentistry procedures, take x-rays, clean and sterilize instruments, and prepare tray setups and materials.

This position requires the flexibility to travel from site to site if needed.

CommuniCare+OLE provides an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and life experience.

CommuniCare+OLE encourages people of all backgrounds to apply including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous Peoples,

people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, individuals of

all ages and religions, and individuals who have been affected by the legal system.

You are welcome here.

***The following reflects requirements and essential functions of this position but does not restrict tasks that may be assigned. Essential functions include basic job duties, core elements, or fundamental responsibilities that an employee must perform to hold the position. Employees must be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation (accommodation may be requested). Duties and responsibilities are not all-inclusive, and they may be assigned or reassigned to this job at any time, due to reasonable accommodation or any other reason. ***

Minimum position requirements: Education, experience, skills/Training

1.

Education

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
• Dental Assistant certificate preferred or 1-2 years of dental assisting preferred.

2. Experience/Lived Experience

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) language preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills required.
• Computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office is required.
• Electronic health record system experience required.

3. Special Skills/Training

• Current CPR certification required.
• Must have proof of completion of a board-approved Radiation Safety, California Dental Practice Act, and 8-hour Infection Control course.
• Drivers License Required.

Essential functions and responsibilities

1.

Ability to perform all phases of four (4) handed dental assisting duties for preventative, restorative, endodontics, oral surgery, pedodontics, fixed and removable prosthodontics procedures for all ages.

2.

Performs all permitted duties of a Dental Assistant as delegated by the dentist and allowed by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Dental Board of California and Regulations - Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 1085.

3.

Uses appropriate PPE during sterilization, maintaining clean to dirty flow of sterilization to prevent contamination.

4.

Escorts patients to the dental chair and prepares them for dental treatment. Ensuring patient has a great customer service experience.

5.

Prepares tray set-up for dental procedures and follows rooming workflows accurately and efficiently.

6.

Operates dental radiography equipment to obtain diagnostic oral radiography per provider recommendation if the dental assistant has complied with the requirements of Section 1656.

7.

Collects medical and dental histories, introral/extraoral photography and study models as needed.

8.

Takes intraoral impressions for all non-prosthodontic appliances.

9.

Places and removes rubber dams or other isolation devices under direct supervision.

10.

Provides patients with oral hygiene instructions, preventive dental education, and post-op instructions under the dentist's supervision.

11.

Supports incoming and outgoing lab cases with well documentation to ensure effective patient flow.

12.

Cleans, sterilizes, and disinfects operatory instruments in accordance with department’s policy and OSHA guidelines. Transports dirty instruments to the sterilization area for processing in a safe manner.

13.

Follows policy and procedures including universal precautions as defined by OSHA’s guidelines on Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazardous Materials standards.

14.

Supports dental charting and documentation in patient's electronic medical records directed by the dentist.

15.

Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance with department policy and HIPPA guidelines.

16.

Ensures operatories are adequately stocked. Completes inventory of supplies and notifies supervisor of low inventory. Regularly checks expiration dates of materials.

17.

Monitors and operates dental equipment, reporting any issues or troubleshooting as appropriate.

18.

Performs daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance on equipment.

19.

Independently recognizes and performs duties needing to be completed without being directly assigned. Establishes priorities and organizes work with time to meet them.

20.

Follows established Radiation Safety protocols.

21.

Observes all health center and department policies governing conduct while at work (i.e., telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smart watch use, smoking regulations, parking, breaks, and other related policies.)

22.

Attends and participates in required meetings, trainings, and educational programs.

23.

Supports department’s goals.

24.

Performs other duties as assigned.