Dental Assistant

PRIMARY FUNCTION:   To assist the Dental Director, Dentists, Dental Residents, and Dental Hygienist in the care and treatment of patients, and to perform duties as receptionist, chair-side assisting, inventory, sterilization, charting, and record keeping

Join the Malama I Ke Ola Health Center Team!

• Team-Based Work Environment
• 90 Day Introductory Period
• Awesome benefits
• • Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance, short & long-term disability, and 403(b) Retirement Plan, FSA, and other voluntary benefits
• Vacation, Holiday and Sick Benefits

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Administration:

·      Prepare and maintain charts, records, logs, and reports

· Assists in obtaining prior authorizations for selective Medicaid (QUEST) procedures and other insurance as required.

· Completes and maintains dental laboratory forms (maintains all dental lab slips for a minimum of two (2) years, sends all cases to the lab, notifies patient when appliance is ready, pours and disinfects dental impressions, etc.)

·      Knowledge of and follows all established infection control guidelines and OSHA standards; participates in related staff training events as requested.

· Keeps operatories stocked and inventoried with appropriate equipment, dental supplies, and patient forms.

· Inventories, monitors and maintains dental supplies, equipment (compressor, sterilizer, radiographic developing equipment, evacuator system, etc.), medications and reorders as necessary.

· Provides radiology services:  exposes and processes dental, maintains and updates radiation safety program annually, maintains and monitors all dosimeter badges.

· Documents in-patient chart and maintains strict patient confidentiality.

· Acts as a patient advocate in order to provide care within the CCM guidelines, which may change from time to time based on third-party Payor policies and patient benefit restrictions.

· Assists in compiling statistics to be used and presented to staff, board members, community members, and funding agencies.

· Adheres to CCM’s Employee Handbook and the Dental Services Policies and Procedures.

· Cross-trains to perform both front desk with clinical duties as assigned.

· Verifies insurance coverage or, when applicable, sliding-fee plan and communicates with dental patients about payment options; follows established procedures to collect payment in cash, checks, and credit cards.

· Attends and participates in meetings, committees, and training sessions as directed by the Dental Director.  

• Direct Patient Services

· Assists dental providers with chair-side treatment and procedures (amalgams, composites, oral surgery, endodontics, prophylaxis, sealants, stainless steel crowns, space maintainers, removal prosthodontics, etc.).

· Responsible for preparation and setting up instruments (dating all sterilized instruments, ultrasonic cleaning, sterilization of all appropriate instruments).

· Actively assists with routine clinic tasks.  Utilizes established methods to ensure consistency in maintaining: inventory, equipment, and appropriate operatory room inventory, etc.

· Provides radiology services:  Exposes and processes dental, maintains and updates radiation safety program annually.

· Performs all duties as allowed by the State Board of Medical Examiners: topical fluoride application, topical anesthetic application, etc.

• Other

· Performs efficiently in stressful situations by seeking guidance, informing appropriate persons, and documenting events in a timely and professional manner.

· Participates in self-development activities

· Participates in quality improvement activities.

· Demonstrates a cooperative team approach in activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• High School diploma or GED.
• Current CPR Certification.
• Higher education in related field preferred.

Experience/Skills: 

• One year experience as a Dental Assistant
• Knowledge of examination, diagnostic and treatment room procedures
• Skill in assisting with a variety of dental treatments and medications as directed.
• Skill in maintaining records accurately and in timely manner.
• Skill or ability to learn dental software.
• Skill to follow oral and written instructions, balance multiple tasks, prioritize tasks and complete assignments on time, communicate clearly, problem solve, maintain quality control standards, safety standards, and read, write and understand the English language.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

TB clearance within previous 12 months.