Lead Registered Dental Assistant

POSITION TITLE:    Lead Registered Dental Assistant

DEPARTMENT:       Dental

REPORTS TO:         Dental Director/Dental Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:  The Registered Dental Assistant (R.D.A.) is responsible to provide all FHCCGLA patients with the highest quality care and performs a variety of laboratory and patient care duties such as, assist the D.D.S. with restorative dentistry or oral surgery treatment procedures (e.g., sterilizing instruments, preparing the patient for the treatment, preparing materials and equipment, etc.). In addition, the R.D.A. takes x-rays, ensures accurate dental billing and shall also perform other office related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments, answering the phone and ordering supplies.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Greets patients in waiting area and escorts patients to vital/intake area to record patient’s vital signs.
2. Assists the dentist in the administration of treatment at the chair side as required or directed by the dentist.
3. 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.
4. Maintains a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures.
5. Reviews the health history, makes chart entries under the direction of the operator and assure completion of forms and signatures.
6. Assumes the responsibility associated with any expanded duties that may be delegated by the dentist.
7. Familiarizes patient with the aspects of their dental visit and provides support and compassion to patient when needed.
8. Stocks operatories and maintains clinical supply inventory.
9. Reviews daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments.
10. Assists in front office procedures if time allows or need is determined by the Dental Director or Dentist.
11. Maintains preventive maintenance of dental equipment.
12. Serves as supply liaison and communicates with purchasing department and vendors to assure prompt receipt of all orders.
13. Performs duties within their scope of R.D.A./D.A. such as:

• Assists providers with Endodontics
• Places bases and liners on sound dentin
• Removes excess cement from supragingival surfaces of teeth with hand instrument or floss
• Size stainless steel crowns, temporary crowns and bands
• Temporary cementation and removal of temporary crowns
• Placement of post-extraction and periodontal dressings
• Take bite registrations for diagnostic models for case study only
• Coronal polishing and X rays

14. Promotes and believes in FHCCGLA’s mission statement “To enhance the quality of life of men, women and children in the greater Los Angeles are through the provision of high quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services.”
15. in- services and educational classes to maintain skills competency and current knowledge for standard of care and effective practices.
16. Ability to relate to the public regardless of ethnicity, religion and economic status.
17. Responsible for following all agency safety and health standards, regulations, procedures, policies and practices.
18. Identifies, initiates and implements measures to deliver high quality care to patients and improve services.
19. Responds efficiently and timely to all patient and provider staff needs and

inquiries.

20. Ensures excellent customer service to all FHCCGLA patients.
21. Works with the site operations manager to manage patient scheduling and flow to address bottlenecks, scheduling issues, etc.
22. Handles patient grievances according to FHCCGLA’s Policy & Procedure.
23. Assists in developing, updates & reviews of FHCCGLA Policies & Procedures

     (P&P’s) as needed (with input from all other key personnel).

24. 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.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

1. Required participation of mandatory Quarterly Staff Trainings (Jan., Apr., Jul. & Oct.).
2. Other pertinent departmental meetings- As scheduled.
3. Inventory Management- Managing Inventory of dental supplies and equipment, clinic maintenance, helping with placing orders, verifying receipt to keep the clinic well-stocked and operational.
4. Training and guidance: Trains junior dental assistants, providing guidance on clinical procedures, patient management and administrative tasks.
5. Helps dental manager to ensure accuracy and compliance with infection control, Dental logs and procedures ensuring staff remain compliant with the daily infection control protocols.
6. Leads Dental morning Huddles when dental manager is not available.
7. With the support of/or when the dental manager is not on the floor, shall:
   1. Monitor back office workflow to ensure efficient patient flow.
   2. Direct the R.D.A.’s & D.A. staff as needed during the workday.
   3. Use critical thinking and organizational skills to make sure patients are processed and seen in a timely manner.
   4. Ensure daily required breaks are taken timely by the R.D.A.’s/D.A.’s.
8. Remains consistently informed of:
   1. Current legal and regulatory changes related to scope of practice.
   2. Specific programs/payors, insurances accepted, and services being offered at FHCCGLA.
   3. All applicable Policies & Procedures (P&P’s) including but not limited to FHCCGLA’s Employee Handbook, Dental Department P&P’s, Safety, HIPAA, etc.
9. Maintains confidentiality of all H.R. or other high confidential matters.
10. All other job duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school graduate (or GED), required.
2. Current CPR Certification- required to be kept up to date.
3. Computer knowledge (e.g., NextGen (E.H.R. & PMS), Microsoft Word and Excel), preferred.
4. FQHC experience, highly preferred.
5. Excellent analytical skills.
6. Exceptional organizational skills.
7. Strong self-motivation skills to take initiative to ensure all tasks performed are completed thoroughly, accurately and timely.
8. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
9. Bilingual English/Spanish and familiarity with the Hispanic culture, preferred (to help when addressing primary Spanish speaking patients or the public and employees).
10. Access to automobile with valid California driver’s license and state mandated automobile insurance.
11. Work schedule may include evenings, overtime, and weekends as needed.
12. Ability to prioritize workload and work under pressure of deadlines.
13. Motivated and committed to the provision of high-quality healthcare for indigent and underserved communities.
14. Ability to function self-sufficiently, requiring little supervision.
15. Ability to meet tight time sensitive deadlines.
16. Willingness to adapt to changes with regards to the agency’s growth and expansion.
17. Ability to speak Spanish, preferred.
18. Proof of completing radiation safety course.
19. One-year experience as a registered dental assistant.
20. Certification as a Registered Dental Assistant required.
21. Certificate for coronal polishing recommended.
22. Demonstrates knowledge of dental health education subjects.
23. Ability to complete forms in an orderly and accurate fashion.
24. Familiar with computer based dental recording and charting.
25. Proficient at digital radiographs.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to work well with others in a professional and team-oriented environment.
2. Well-developed interpersonal skills, friendly personality, able to motivate staff by promoting teamwork and a welcoming work environment.
3. Ability to relate to the public and staff regardless of ethnic, religion and economic status. Accepting of diverse individuals.
4. Excellent communication skills.
5. Willingness to travel to dental sites when needed.
6. Strong planning and organizational skills.
7. Problem analysis and critical thinking skills.
8. Excellent customer service skills.
9. Knowledge of the following (but not limited to), preferred:

10. Willingness to adapt to changes in clinic schedules, agency growth and expansion.
11. Commitment to the Mission & Vision of Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles, Inc.