Job Details

Dental Assistant

This position is a fulltime, non-exempt 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.

Education, Training and Experience:

• High school graduate or GED certificate.
• Completion of accredited course in dental assisting preferred.
• Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and to prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English are required. Effective oral communication skills Spanish preferred.
• Certified Dental Assistant preferred.
• Current CPR (BLA) required.
• 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 are required.
• The Dental Assistant must be cognizant of the expectations and concerns of the center's dental patients and be able to respond in an empathetic and professional manner. The ability to work with persons from a wide diversity of social, ethnic and economic backgrounds is necessary. The Dental Assistant must be able to creatively work with other health care professionals from a variety of disciplines to achieve maximal results for the center's patient forma, a system of integrated primary health care.
• The ability to distinguish letters and symbols as well the ability to utilize telephones, computer terminals and copiers is required.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering questions, and giving directions as authorized by the dentist.
• Chair-side assisting abilities, including four-handed dentistry capability in administration of treatment.
• Prepare operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and dentist's specific instructions, including greeting patients and escorting to the operatory.
• Expose and develop radiographs, knowledge of radiograph software.
• Compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols relative to Infection Control, Exposure Control and Safety Issues.
• Maintenance of dental equipment, supplies, clinical area, and thorough knowledge of dental charting software.
• Place and receive necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care.
• Assist with various clinical and administrative functions of the center, including appropriate utilization of teamwork.
• Ensure sterility of all re-usable dental instruments in accordance with protocols, including necessary documentation.
• Ensure proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment and universal precautions and maintain a sterile and neat working environment.
• Attendance to work, processing patients in a timely manner, and can perform job duties with minimal supervision.
• Supply ordering an inventory record keeping.
• Reports to work on time and is ready to work in designated work area.
• Review daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments.
• Works effectively with all disciplines and corrective criticism from supervisors.
• Desire to want to lean more or further one's dental knowledge by application of herself.

Mission and Customer Service:

• Demonstrate the Mission and acts in ways that advance the best interest of the customers entrusted to our care. Positively represents SWLA Center for Health Services (SWLA) in the workplace and the community.
• Present a professional image: apparel and appearance are appropriate according to SWLA department dress code.
• Demonstrate effective communication and listens attentively to the customer and promptly acts upon requests with consideration for patient privacy. Keep the customer informed about their care and treatment in a comfortable atmosphere.
• Respect the gifts and talents (the diversity that co-workers bring to their jobs) of each other. Demonstrates effective communication and assists co-workers as necessary.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the customers we serve, our physicians, co-workers and the community.
• Practices safe work habits and maintain a safe environment for self, co-workers, patients, and visitors.
• Work collaboratively to solve problems, improve processes, and develop services. Acts as an advocate for our customers.
• Complies with organization/department policies and procedures, including but not limited to confidentiality, safety, cooperation/flexibility and attendance.
• Understands and complies with applicable federal/state laws and Standards of Conduct as related to assigned job duties.
• Participates in departmental or organizational quality. Continuous performance improvement activity.