What are the responsibilities and job description for the DENTAL ASSISTANT position at Whitman-Walker Health?
About Whitman-Walker Health
Whitman-Walker envisions a society where all persons are seen for who they are, treated with dignity and respect, and afforded equal health and well-being opportunities. Through care, advocacy, research, and education, we empower all persons to live healthily, love openly, and achieve equality and inclusion. For over 40 years, we have been meeting the needs of our communities with the endless dedication of our diverse teams.
Job Summary
Provides support in Dental Services by assisting the dentist and dental hygienist in all office locations and all office and clinical duties as necessary, following a patient-centered model. Supports the provision of efficient and high-quality dental services and facilitates access to dental care and attention to dental health
Primary Essential Duties
• Administrative Support
• Schedules patient appointments.
• Assists in the makeup of new patient charts and updates existing patient charts.
• Assists in filing duties associated with the daily clinical schedule.
• Assists in ordering and maintaining supplies as necessary. Chairside assistance to the dentist
• Sets up for patient appointments and cleans up after appointments, sterilizing and disinfecting equipment
• Assists patients in preparing for dental exams and procedures.
• Provides extra hands as necessary for dental procedures.
• Takes radiographs, if certified.
• Assists with general Medical Support functions and duties as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.
Core Duties
Performs and behaves in accordance with Whitman Walker’s mission, cultural norms, and core values of dignity, respect, affirmation, and humility.
• Maintains a respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate manner with patients/clients/staff.
• Demonstrates excellent customer service by identifying and exceeding customer requirements.
• Adheres to Whitman-Walker policies and procedures, with special attention given to HIPAA
requirements.
• Maintains data integrity through conscientious use of relevant tools and employing a system of
checks and balances.
• Demonstrates organizational skills necessary to multi-task, meet deadlines and re-prioritize as needed.
• Participates in organizational quality and performance improvement activities.
Budget Responsibilities
None
Management Responsibilities
None
Knowledge, Skills, and Talents Required
• Knowledge of standard medical and dental office/clinic procedures
• Ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interactions that respect the dignity and diversity of patients/clients/staff - including factors such as HIV status, race, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to de-escalate difficult client encounters.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team structure by demonstrating the ability to collaborate and contribute to the team’s work.
• Ability to manage time and effort in order to meet strategic objectives.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, both internal and external.
• Knowledge of all applicable WWH policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in medical and dental terminology.
• Knowledge of healthcare information systems with the ability to adapt to new electronic medical
record and population health platforms.
• Knowledge of eCW preferred.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts as necessary.
Education and Experience Required
• Licensing/registration as a Dental Assistant in the District of Columbia is required.
• Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse work staff preferred; ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals required.
Working Conditions:
Working conditions for this position are normal for an office environment. Individual may be required to work evenings and/or weekends and organization events.
Physical Demands:
• Lifting: No more than 20 lbs. and infrequently.
• Movement: Standing and sitting for long periods.
• Visual: Long periods on the computer.
• Concentration: Extended periods of engagement with computer systems where concentration is key to accuracy in data entry. Intermittent engagement periods with a telephone system to respond to inquiries where concentration is key to task performance.
• Communication: Direct and indirect communication. Written and verbal competency.
The above job description is designed to indicate a general sense of the duties and expectations of this position. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required. As the nature of our business demands change, so too, may the duties and responsibilities of this position. You may be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
Whitman-Walker is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants, its employees, or former employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and gender identity. For accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources.
