Dental Assistant I

POSITION TITLE: Dental Assistant I

RESPONSIBLE TO: Dental Director of Operations/Dental Supervisor

FLSA STATUS: Non – Exempt

Purpose of this Position: To assist the Dentist in direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center. Responsible for sterilization, equipment maintenance, and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. Report to Dental Director of Operations and Dental Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certification of completion from a Dental Assisting Program. 
2. Oregon Certificate of Radiological Proficiency.
3. BLS certified in basic life support.
4. Be available to work in alternate locations and in evenings as necessary and requested.

Must receive your Oregon Certificate of Expanded Functions (EFDA) within 6 months obtaining this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Greet and seat patients, assist with any forms that need to be filled out by the patient.
2. Assist in reviewing medical history by documenting for the dentist or hygienist pertinent information that should be brought to their attention.
3. Take and record patient’s blood pressure when appropriate.
4. Find out the patient’s chief complaint.
5. Expose and develop radiographs after the appropriate orders have been given.
6. Assist the Dentist or Hygienist with initial and periodic exams and record the findings as instructed by the Dentist or Hygienist.
7. Assist the Dentist and Hygienist with chair-side procedures as allowed by Board of Dentistry rules and state certifications.
8. Dismiss the patient to the Patient Service Representative (PSR) with any specific orders documented and brought to the attention of the PSR prior to the patient’s departure.
9. Maintain the dental operatories per policy.
10. Maintain the operatory inventory.
11. Order and assist in monitoring clinical supplies.
12. Sterilize and package instruments in accordance with company and regulatory guidelines.
13. Maintain equipment or assist in maintenance.
14. Strictly follow VFHC Policies and Procedures.
15. 15. Be sensitive to the needs of the Dentist and Hygienist at all times. 
16. Hold all patient information in the strictest of confidence.
17. Hold all VFHC Dental and Medical information in the strictest confidence.
18. Uphold all Oregon and Idaho state guidelines regarding dental assisting.
19. Assist with meeting quality measures by completing tasks related to VFHC initiatives.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

1. Possess the appropriate manual dexterity to successfully perform the duties described above.
2. Possess normal color acuity.
3. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
4. Continuous sitting, standing, walking.
5. Correctable vision and hearing.
6. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
7. The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Environmental Conditions: 

The VFHC Dental Clinic work environment is much like that of a typical dental office were the 

risk of exposure to strong bright light, a high decibel level, ionizing radiation, and blood borne pathogens can and do exist.