Dental Assistant

Description

CCAP Mission Statement - To empower all people and communities, challenged by poverty as well as social and cultural barriers, through advocacy, education, and access to high quality health and human services.

JOB SUMMARY:

A full-time position responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.

WORK SCHEDULE DEMANDS:

The position is full-time, 38 hours per week.

Occasional unscheduled overtime may be required in the event of vacation time or short staffing.

Due to the nature of the job, this individual must be flexible with their schedule to accommodate the client population.

May be required to work at any CCAP location.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Bilingual Spanish and English
• Completion of accredited course in dental assisting, preferred
• Certified Dental Assistant, preferred
• Current CPR (BLS) required
• X-Ray certification, preferred

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Serves as dentist’s or dental hygienist’s chair-side assistant.
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist’s or dental hygienist’s directions.
• Exposes and develops dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.
• Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Maintains a list of all Dental Department patients, monitors patient flow, and assists the Dental Director, dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.
• Pulls and files patient charts as required.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the Dental Department.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits.
• Insures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental Department directive and protocol.
• Insures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulation(s).
• Performs all functions in full compliance with the centers and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion / disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.
• Travels when necessary, to meet operational needs.
• As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to personnel issues, workplace safety, public health and confidentiality.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Requires a comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry.  
• Knowledge of modern dental materials, their storage, handling and applications is required.  
• Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and to prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
• The Dental Assistant must be cognizant of the expectations and concerns of the center’s dental pat