Dental Assistant

Greater Valley Health Center (GVHC) recognizes employees are at the heart of our ability to meet the needs of our patients and community.  We invite every employee to contribute at the highest possible level.  This position description is provided to outline the primary duties, qualifications, and job scope.  It is not intended to limit the employee or GVHC to just the work identified.  We expect each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavours.

It is the policy of this facility to provide equal opportunity to persons regardless of race, religions, age (over 40), gender, disability, veteran, genetic information or any other classifications in accordance with federal, state, and local statues, regulations and ordinances.

Job Title:  Dental Assistant

Wage:  $18.81 - $21.87

Schedule: M-F

Working hours per week: 40

Reports to: Dental Director

Job purpose (Why does the job exist? What is it there to achieve or deliver?)

Performs dental assistant functions under the appropriate supervision and scope of practice.  The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dental provider with dental procedures as appropriate; providing patient education for oral health and well-being; receiving and routing to telephone calls and inquiries regarding dental services and scheduling patients in dental provider appointment schedules as necessary.  The Dental Assistant is responsible to the Director (Administrative Duties) and the Dentist (clinical duties).

Knowledge, Skills & Experience (work experience, qualifications, specialist training, key skills, disposition)

Must be a high school graduate or equivalent, preferably supplemented by course work or training in dental procedures.  Must have successfully completed a MT board-approved written radiography examination at the time of employment or within 6 months of employment.  Current BLS certificate, or completed within the first 6 months of employmen.  Preference to applicant with prior experience in a dental practice.  Preference to candidate who is a graduate of an ADA-accredited dental 

assisting program.

Must possess personal and professional knowledge necessary for the performance of the assigned work and be suitable for employment as evidenced by evaluation.

Must understand infection control and cross contamination issues in a dental setting.  Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to accept and utilize supervision.  Ability to work with other members of the health care team.  Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions. Have and maintain a valid Montana’s driver license.  Strong work ethic, positive, caring, knowledge of cultural diversity and social determinants of health, team oriented. May be requested to perform functions relevant to the position but not listed above.

Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Role: these duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties that the incumbent performs.

• Assisting the dentist during dental procedures
• Cleaning, sterilizing, disinfecting and placing barriers in the dental operatories
• Preparing and maintaining dental instruments, supplies and equipment
• Collecting and recording patient health histories and conducting dental charting as assigned  
• Preparing dental materials, cements, amalgam, composite, etc 
• Providing inventory review and ordering supplies
• Managing the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
• Assisting in front office duties including appointment scheduling and confirmation, patient reception, and patient records management
• Participating in GVHC Quality Assurance activities as they pertain to dentistry.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, and the public.
• Performing other duties as assigned within the Registered Dental Assistant scope of practice.

Working Environment (knowledge of special working practices, breadth of management skill required, customer impact, responsibility, efficiency)

Work is mainly performed in a clinic dental setting with dental equipment, computer/phone work and moderate noise. Standing, bending, sitting, lifting, walking, stooping required. You may be required to travel to different clinic locations.

Salary : $17 - $18