|
Job description:
Reports to: Dental Program Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Prepared Date: March 21, 2011
Summary:
The Dental Assistant performs a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties, including chairside assistance as dentist examine and treat patients in a clinic setting. Duties include the preparation of restorative materials and medications, sterilization of dental instruments, take and develops x-rays and performs other functions to assist the dentist.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Greets patients, reviews medical and dental history, and prepares them for treatment. Provides a comforting atmosphere to alleviate the patient’s anxiety or fears. May include giving basic explanation of procedures.
2. Assists dentist chair side for restorative and/or surgical procedures by preparing, passing, and receiving appropriate dental instruments, restorative materials, amalgams, dental cements, and temporary sedative fillings in prescribed fashion. Keep patients’ mouth dry and clear by using suction and other devices.
3. Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care. Sterilizes instruments and keeps other equipment and surfaces disinfected using autoclave, ultrasonic cleaner, or chemical solutions. Practices required sterile techniques and ensures sanitary storage of supplies and equipment. Sends sterilized strips from autoclaves to companies for testing to ensure that autoclaves are working properly.
4. Prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures.
5. Keeps oral environment visible during dental procedures by use of high volume evacuation, air, water spray, or other devices.
6. Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies as directed by dentist following radiation safety protocols
7. Office duties include scheduling and confirming patient appointments, receive patients, keep and file treatment records, order dental supplies and materials.
8. Participates in staff and department meetings.
9. Participates in professional development activities to keep current with trends and practices in the provision of dental services.
10. Maintains MLS data sheets and adheres to OSHA regulations and standards.
11. Maintains strict confidentiality of patient information.
12. Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
13. Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
14. Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
15. Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.
16. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
17. Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
18. Assists dentist/hygienist in a manner as to optimize the safety of the patient, hygienist, or dentist in the course of treatment.
19. Disposes of waste materials from dental procedures including dental sharps, extracted teeth, blood soaked gauze, cotton rolls, and other disposable supplies according to OSHA guidelines and infection control.
20. Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
21. Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
22. Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
23. Prepares bills for services provided and forwards them to the accounting office and performs other support tasks associated with the work.
24. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
25. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
26. Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Received: Works under supervision of the Dental Program Manager. Supervision is received through personal conferences, general observation of work in progress and periodic review by supervisor of completed work.
Exercised: None.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Current (annual) TB screening is requested of all CHWC employees.
• Hepatitis B immunization is optional.
• Must be certified or can become certified in dental radiographs
• Current CPR certification
• Training or experience in Dental Health Maintenance, Use of Dental Technology, Infection Control, Patient Services, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Listening, Teamwork, Bedside Manner, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Use of Medical Technologies, Performing Diagnostic Procedures
Education and Experience:
• Completion of a Dental Assistants’ Training Program leading to a certificate in dental assisting.
• Minimum of six months experience in chair side dental assisting.
• Education and/or experience equivalent may be considered.
Knowledge and Abilities:
• Knowledge of dental equipment and sterilization.
• Ability follow directions.
• Knowledge of dental billing procedures.
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, practice management, and e-mail.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical/dental staff, and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to deal effectively with difficult people.
• Ability to function effectively within a team.
• Ability to effectively interact in a professional manner with patients, medical and administrative staff, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and to use good judgment in work prioritization.
Physical Demands:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties for this job, the employee is required to stand for long periods of time, talk, hear, write, operate a keyboard, utilize visual acuity to read small print and view a computer monitor, push and pull dental equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, perform physical movements specific to dental assisting including the precise passing of instruments, materials, and medications, and ability to deal with visual restraints of working in the oral cavity.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
All CHWC facilities are non-smoking.
Exposure to Hazards: Housekeeping products, sterilization equipment and chemicals, needles, high noise levels caused by dental equipment, chemicals found in dental materials and products, such as acids and disinfectants, biological hazards such as blood borne pathogens, infectious diseases, contaminated wastes, saliva, and radiation.
|
