Dental Assistant

Founded in 1866, The Floating Hospital (TFH), is one of the last remaining charity hospitals in New York City. Our commitment is the same as it was more than 160 years ago: unrestricted healthcare to all who walk through our doors, regardless of immigration and insurance status, or the ability to pay. The Floating Hospital welcomes individuals of all ages, from infants, school age children (5+), youth and adults. TFH is a Federally Qualified Health Center and the largest provider to homeless families living in family shelters and domestic violence safe houses throughout all five boroughs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare patient, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials, and assist dentist during dental procedures.
• Prepare treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Take Dental x-rays on patients.
• Document dental care services by charting in patient records
• Provide instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.
• Provide materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
• Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
• Maintain patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
• Maintain safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensure 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.
• Maintain dental supply inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Perform insurance verification/eligibility, registration, collection of co-pays, and scheduling of patients, working the reception area as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Environment:

Dental Assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment near the dental chair so that they can arrange instruments, materials, and medication and hand them to the dentist when needed. Dental assistants must wear gloves, masks, eyewear, and protective clothing to protect themselves and their patients form infectious diseases. Assistants also follow safety procedure to minimize the risks associated with the use of x-ray machines. The agency observes a no-smoking policy.

EMR Access includes the following actions/areas:

Demographic, Registration, Appointment/Scheduling, Scanning, Triage, PMH/Vitals, Open Dental, Telephone Encounters