Dental Assistant I

Assists dentists by providing chair side assistance, performing x-rays, setting up rooms, seating patients, preparing quotes of DSS, charting in dental record and assisting to ensure patient needs are met in a professional & timely manner.

Essential Duties and

Responsibilities

• Prepares patients for dental care services, sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up instrument trays, prepares materials and assists dentist during dental procedures.

• Assists in recording medical & dental histories.

• Exposes and develop diagnostic dental x-rays.

• Performs routine equipment maintenance and dental operatory cleaning and preparation. Assures adequate inventory of necessary supplies and instruments are in their proper places in the operatories and other areas of the clinic to support that day's work.

• Pours, trims, and polishes stone models.

• Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.

• Instructs patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs and provides postoperative instructions to patient as prescribed by Dentist.

• Records treatment information in patient records

• Maintain aseptic techniques.

• Assist with regular maintenance of dental equipment.

• Polishes teeth and applies topical fluoride to child's teeth as prescribed by the dentist, including plaque control techniques.

• Assist in communicating necessary treatment and fees and in arranging financial agreements with patients.

• Attends internal/external meetings as deemed appropriate by department supervisor and within budget constraints.

• Attends OSHA training sessions annually and observes policy and procedures as they pertain to OSHA standards and guidelines.

• Other duties as assigned.

Min. Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This position requires an individual, who has the ability to work independently, is able to work under pressure, is analytical and has excellent problem-solving skills. The ability to respect the confidentiality of patient information while performing job duties. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees and public.

Physical Demands

• Work may require sitting or standing for long periods of time; also stooping, bending and stretching.

• Occasionally lifting files or paper weighing 50 pounds or more.

• Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, copier and other such equipment.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in the dental office.

• Involves frequent contact with people.

• Interactions with others are frequent and interruptive. Work may be stressful at times.

• Work schedules may be changed to accommodate departmental/facility needs.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Education/Experience Requirements

Previous dental experience is not necessary, although completion of a dental assisting program or six months experience is desirable. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. CPR certificate required.

Language Skills

English and/or Spanish language desirable. Ability to read & interpret documents, reports & correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups and/or individuals.

Family Health La Clinica is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer.