Dental Assistant

 

“To enhance the quality of life for men, women and children in the greater Los Angeles area through the provision of high quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services.”

 

 

The Dental Assistant performs duties such as: prepare the patient for the treatment, assist the dentist in performing treatment for the patient in restorative dentistry or oral surgery, prepare materials and equipment for treatment and for the dentist’s use, take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments, answer the phone, and ordering/restocking supplies.

→Greets patients in waiting area and escorts patients to the triage area to record patient’s vital signs.

→Assists the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist.

→Promotes an atmosphere supportive of good dental and general health by demonstrating good oral hygiene, questioning patients to ascertain home care status, instructing patients in techniques of flossing and brushing in accordance with protocol.

→Maintains a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures.

→Reviews the health history, make chart entries under the direction of the operator and assure completion of forms and signatures.

→Assumes the responsibility associated with any expanded duties that may be delegated by the dentist.

→Familiarizes the patient with the aspects of their dental visit and provide support and compassion to that patient when it is needed.

→Stocks operatories and maintains clinical supply inventory.

→Reviews daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments.

→Assists in front office procedures if time allows or need is determined by the Dental Director or Dentist.

→Supervises preventive maintenance of dental equipment. 

→Undertakes continuous self-improvement, attending applicable training, seminars, in-services and educational classes to maintain skills competency and current knowledge for standard of care and effective practices.

→Responsible for following all agency safety and health standards, regulations, procedures, policies and practices.

→Serves as supply liaison. Communicates with purchasing department and vendors to assure prompt receipt of all orders.

→Identifies, initiates and implements measures to deliver high quality care to patients and improve services.

→Responds efficiently and timely to all patient and provider staff needs and inquiries.

→Ensures excellent customer service to all FHCCGLA patients.

→Works with the operations managers to manage patient scheduling and flow to address bottlenecks, scheduling issues, etc.

→Ensures HIPAA compliance by maintaining strict confidentiality of all patient data and E.H.R./Practice Management System (PMS) according to regulations and FHCCGLA’s P&P’s. 

→Attends the following meetings/trainings: 

→Mandatory Quarterly Staff Meeting/Trainings- Quarterly (Jan., Apr., Jul. & Oct.)

→Other pertinent meetings- As scheduled. 

→Remains informed of: 

→Current legal and regulatory changes related to scope of practice.

→Specific programs/payors, insurances accepted, and services being offered at FHCCGLA.

→All applicable Policies & Procedures

→Promotes and believes in NHSI mission statement “Health for All”.

→Ability to relate to the public regardless of ethnic, religion and economic status.

→All other duties as assigned

 

High school graduates (or GED).

Dental Assistant Certificate

Current CPR Certification- required to be kept up to date.

FQHC experience, highly preferred.

Excellent analytical skills.

Motivation to take initiative to ensure all tasks performed are completed thoroughly and accurately.

Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge of administrative principles and procedures.

Computer knowledge preferred (e.g., NextGen (E.H.R. & PMS), Microsoft Word and Excel).

Proof of completing radiation safety course.

One-year experience as a dental assistant.

Demonstrate knowledge of dental health education subjects.

Ability to complete forms in an orderly and accurate fashion. 

Able to use sound judgment. Possess a calm disposition and the ability to work easily with people.

Bilingual English/Spanish and familiarity with the Hispanic culture.

Access to automobile with valid California driver’s license and state mandated automobile insurance.

Work schedule will regularly include 8am to 5pm shifts as well as 10am to 7pm shifts. Evenings, overtime, and weekends as needed.

Ability to prioritize workload and work under pressure of deadlines.

Ability to meet tight time sensitive deadlines.

Motivated and committed to the provision of high-quality healthcare for indigent and underserved communities.

Willingness to adapt to changes with regards to the agency’s growth and expansion.

Ability to speak Spanish, required.

Familiar with computer based dental recording and charting.

Proficient at digital radiographs.

Maintain dental logs.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Ability to work well with others in a professional and team-oriented environment.

Well-developed interpersonal skills, friendly personality and able to motivate staff by promoting teamwork.

Ability to relate to the public regardless of ethnic, religion and economic status.

Excellent communication skills.

Willingness to travel.

Strong planning and organizational skills.

Problem analysis and critical thinking skills.

Excellent customer service skills.

Knowledge of the following (but not limited to), preferred:

PPO’s                                  HMO’s

Medicare                            Family PACT                     CPSP         

Medi-Cal                             Fee-for-Service                 CHDP

                      Managed Care Plans      Every Woman Counts  

22.80

23.40