Dental Assistant

Position Impact and Purpose…

A Dental Assistant I, as part of the VVHC dental team, enables the dentists to provide efficient, high quality care, and assists the entire team with patient care, office, and laboratory duties. The Dental Assistant I influence the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate, and professional preparation of patients and patient information, while striving to maintain excellent patient relations, ensuring patients are well cared for, happy and satisfied.

Essential Functions…

Functional Area: 

Patient Care/Operational Excellence

Estimated Effort:  65%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations

 ·         Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with the care and compassion expected.

 ·         Works as part of a team; coordinating patient flow with dental and patient access staff.

 ·         Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with regulatory standards, as well as VVHC clinic policies and procedures.

 ·         Prepare and maintain dental materials, supplies, and instruments, including disinfecting and sterilizing instruments and handpieces according to CDC/clinic policy.

 ·         Assist dentist chairside by organizing and preparing instruments for dentist’s use and assist with providing comprehensive dental care to VVHC patients, using 4-handed dentistry technique.

 ·         Assists the dentist in diagnostic examinations, procedures, and surgical intervention.

 ·         Collect and record pertinent patient health information and vital signs.

 ·         Documents dental services by charting findings, diagnosis, treatment plan, and completed care in the patient record.

 ·         Prepare, maintain, clean/disinfect the dental clinic, equipment, and instruments in compliance with, OSHA, CDC, and clinic regulations, including, but not limited to; removal of biohazard waste, clean/lubricate, and sterilize instruments and arrange for use: operatories, sterilization area, and laboratory.

 ·         Maintain optimal operation of equipment, including but not limited to; handpieces, radiographic equipment, sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaner, water distiller, amalgam separator, and the central evacuation system (pump/compressor).

 ·         Maintains stock of dental supplies, including, but not limited to; stocking operatories, review/put away supply order, add to and submit supply order.

 ·         Educates patients by providing oral hygiene and post-operative instructions.

 ·         Follow through with post-visit responsibilities.

Functional Area: 

Administrative/Clerical Tasks

Estimated Effort:  25%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations

 ·         Participates in the daily morning huddle.

 ·         Completes all for patient referrals, both internal and external, and may as necessary may assist in coordination of care.

 ·         Assists with telephone triage, knowledgeable in differentiating between true dental emergencies and routine treatment.

 ·         Maintains the physical condition of the dental clinic and the dental instruments/equipment.

 ·         As needed, prepare treatment plans, treatment cost estimates, and present to patient for review.

 ·         Prepares and submits patient dental insurance prior-authorization in accordance with the dentist’s diagnosis.

 ·         Prepares and confirms outgoing lab work and notifies patients for follow-up.

 ·         Maintains patient confidentiality

Functional Area: 

Service and Other Responsibilities

Estimated Effort:  10%

Responsibilities, Deliverables, Outcomes and Expectations

 ·         Other responsibilities may include, but is not limited to, serving as part of various committees (ad hoc or standing), work groups, and service teams within Valley View Health Centers and CAC.

 ·         Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting oral health.

Minimum Requirements…

Education: 

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job-Related Experience:

Preference given to individuals with prior dental experience and/or experience in a healthcare setting.

Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations:

Current/Active Dental Assistant Radiographer’s Certificate through the Ohio State Dental Board.

Current certified dental assistant either through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) or a Certified Ohio Dental Assistant (CODA).

Current healthcare provider CPR and AED certification through the American Heart Association.

Direct Patient Care Requirements…

Verification of licensure, registration, or certification.

Verification of education and training.

Completion of a query of the Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Verification of Health/Fit for Duty, including physical and mental health status and any impairment that may interfere with the safe and effective provision of care permitted under the requested clinical privileges of the position.

Three professional letters of recommendation.

Current BLS/CPR certification.

Proof of Hepatitis B immunity, including a copy of immunization record showing HBV series or documentation stating immunity.

Preferred Qualifications…

Prior experience with electronic dental health records and digital radiography.

Current certification in minimal sedation (N2O-O2) monitoring.

Working Conditions…

Position is in a well-lighted, clinic working environment. Position may require occasional travel between VVHC dental clinic (up to 25%). Requires good verbal and written communications. Must be able to speak and read the English language. This position requires the employee to regularly sit, ability to use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. Work is fast-paced, occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vison abilities required by this job include close vision. Employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.