Dental Assistant

Description

JOB SUMMARY

Verifies patient information by interviewing patient. Candidates must have at least one year of dental assisting experience and some front office experience.  This position will be both front and back office as needed.  

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Gather patient information and health background
• Patient check in and out
• Answer telephones
• Verify insurance
• Prepare the work area for procedures
• Take x-rays of patients’ teeth when necessary and display results for the dentist
• Assist the dentist during examinations and dental procedures
• Prepare materials for crowns or dental impressions
• Educate patients on good oral hygiene habits
• Restock treatment areas and monitor inventory
• Dental assistant certificate from an accredited vocational school (preferred)
• 1+ years of dental assisting experience
• X-ray certification a plus
• Current BLS and CPR certification
• Excellent understanding of dental hygiene procedures
• Knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques

Requirements

Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with medical office technology and equipment, including computers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and phone systems, as well as MS Excel/Word/Outlook, Electronic Health Record systems and automated medical scheduling and billing programs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in group and community settings
• Ability to plan, schedule and coordinate
• Effective management of multiple duties and responsibilities in a clinical setting
• Sound leadership and clinical judgment
• Excellent communication skills in person, on the phone and in written communications
• Flexibility in a rapidly growing and changing work environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial and clinical information
• Excellent listener
• Demonstrates initiative

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Required:

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Satisfactory completion of Dental Assistant Certification Program

Preferred:

• Experience working with racially and ethnically diverse populations, low-income populations and people experiencing homelessness
• At least one year of experience in a primary care or public dental setting functioning at the full extent of her/his training
• Experience with Practice Management systems and EHR
• Prior work in performance or quality improvement

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Full range of motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye–hand coordination
• Standing and walking frequently and occasionally lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, biohazards, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinical setting
• Travel within western North Carolina

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Fast paced work environment. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

DISCLAIMER The above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions, subject to reasonable accommodations. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions, as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.