Dental Assistant

Position Summary:

Responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and/or dental hygienist(s) and dental coordinator in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients in the clinic and school setting.  Is responsible for various administrative and oversight activities of the Dental Program including, but not limited to, scheduling, charge entry, billing, inventories, reporting, and community outreach and education.

Dental Assistant Duties

• Serves as dentist's or dental hygienist's chair-side assistant. Complies with all professional protocols relevant to preparation of operatory and patient care.
• Exposes and develops dental radio-graphs in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department policies, procedures, directives and protocols.

• Assists to maintain Dental equipment in accordance with manufacturer's directions and Dental Department policy and procedures. Under the clinical direction of the Dental Coordinator and Dental Director, ensures sterility of all reusable instruments and equipment.
• In conjunction with the Manager of Quality Improvement and Dental Coordinator, maintains all Dental Department areas relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues. Ensures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Center policy as well as state and federal regulation(s).
• Maintains Dental records, monitors patient flow, and assists the Dental Coordinator and Dental Director, dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed. 
• Creates and maintains patient schedules in partnership with other central scheduling, other clinics, and school districts. 
• Assists to maintain inventory and storage of supplies, equipment and records. In conjunction with the Manager of Quality Improvement, assists to monitor program compliance with all policies, procedures, and Federal and State guidelines.
• Ensures correct charge entry and billing procedures are followed.  Reviews charges for accuracy, investigates coding and billing issues and interfaces with Operations and Finance Departments to identify solutions and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Collects and tracks utilization and financial data. Compiles and submits reports to department directors and to funding sources as directed.
• Organizes and participates in appropriate health promotion and outreach activities, both on-site and off-site as required. Represents Dental Program at community meetings and events.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

·         Attends and participates in mandatory in-service and staff meetings and participates in voluntary in-service or outside trainings and staff meetings as appropriate.

·         Participates in and complies with Quality Improvement initiatives.

·         Participates in inter-disciplinary task forces and work groups as relevant.

·         As directed by Dental Coordinator, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

Qualifications/Requirements

·         Minimum one year experience working with a pediatric dental population

·         High School Diploma or GED

·         Radiography experience

·         Bilingual Spanish/English preferred

·         Reliable vehicle and proof of insurance

Licensure/Certification

·         Arizona Dental Radiology Certification

·         Current CPR certification (Basic Life Support)

·         Valid Arizona driver’s license

Experience/Skills

·         A comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry.

·         Strong leadership and organization skills.

·         Excellent customer service skills, especially with school age children and diverse populations

·         Effective oral and written communication skills

·         Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and to prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols.

·         A positive, professional attitude

·         A team player; able to work in and foster a team environment