Dental Assistant

Job Summary: The Dental Assistant's primary job function is to work as part of a team to provide high quality, efficient and service oriented patient care while demonstrating the health center's core values. The Dental Assistant is responsible for performing basic supportive chair-side procedures under the direction of the Staff Dentists, maintaining the operatories in a safe and workable condition, properly cleaning all dental instruments, and assistance with providing oral health education to patients and caregivers. Secondarily, the Dental Assistant is responsible for providing front office support, ensuring that a high level of customer service is provided to health center patients and caretakers.
Ensures that the core values of Camino Health Center - Service, Dignity, Excellence and Justice - are carried out within daily tasks.
Essential Values-Based Competencies: _Demonstrates values-based competencies in line with the four core values that are the foundation of all activities performed by employees in order to achieve the mission of the Camino Health Center._
Dignity: Demonstrates competence in communication and interpersonal relations
Excellence: Demonstrates competence in continuous improvement, continuous learning, and teamwork/collaboration
Service: Demonstrates competence in customer/patient focus, adaptability, and shaping change
Justice: Demonstrates competence in community orientation, stewardship, and strategic planning and action

Essential Functions: _Describe the duties/responsibilities that must be performed by this position._
Essential Function

Direct Patient Care

Assist in providing extra-oral and intra-oral duties as directed by the staff dentist.
Assist in recording patient treatment in the electronic dental record.
Provide oral hygiene education to patients and caretakers.
Takes high quality and clinically appropriate digital radiographs.

Back Office Duties

Sets up trays for procedures.
Properly cleans all dental instruments and maintains operatories in a safe and workable condition. Notify appropriate team members about supplies needing to be ordered and equipment requiring repairs.
Sterilizes all instruments according to infection control regulations. Lubricates and oils hand-pieces before and after sterilization.
Ensures compliance with infection control procedures as mandated by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Front Office Duties

Maintain dental schedule; including making appointments and reminder calls.
Answer dental phones calls and return voice messages.
Maintain electronic patient filing system, including establishing new patient records and scanning paper records and x-rays into the electronic dental record.
Maintain patient records in the practice management system, including updating patient demographic and contact information.
Check-in responsibilities, including acknowledging appointments and verifying patient information.
Check-out responsibilities, including insurance verification and cash collection. Responsible for assessing and documenting patient eligibility to participate in the health center's sliding fee discount program
Work collaboratively with the dental team to ensure optimal workflow and department goals are achieved.

Outreach, In-Reach and Education

Assist with coordination of external dental screenings, facilitate and maintain a positive rapport with parents, school staff, childcare providers and community agencies.
Assist with community dental outreach opportunities which may include, but are not limited to: parent education classes in selected sites, Community Outreach Programs sponsored by other agencies serving the target population and pre-school dental screenings.
Conduct in-reach activities to identifying new patients using other Camino services who could also benefit for the dental program. When possible coordinate same day care for these patients.
Facilitate the collection of surveys and questionnaires required by funders or through community partnerships.
Participation in continuing education events.

Additional Responsibilities _: List infrequently performed and non-essential tasks._

Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: _List the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential functions of this position._

Work collaboratively with people of all ages, social, and ethnic backgrounds
Work independently and as part of a team
Excellent time management skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Ability to work in a fast paced environment
Basic oral and written communication; basic math skills
Proficient in using computer and office equipment
Ability to convey a sense of confidence and trust to all patients
Ability to relate well to other health professionals and support staff
Ability to carry out administrative and patient support services
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality

Age-Related Competencies: _List the knowledge, skills and abilities required to provide age-specific care._

Demonstrates the ability to meet the age related needs of the specific population served

Information Management:

Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security

Risk Management:

Cooperates fully in all risk management activities and investigations

Safety Requirements:

Knowledge of, observes, and complies with clinic safety policies and emergency procedures

Additional Requirements:

Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
Able to work at various health center locations and outreach sites

Minimum Position Qualifications: _List the minimum qualifications required for this position._

Education: High School diploma or equivalent education

Preferred Position Qualifications: _List the preferred qualifications required for this position._

Experience / Training: Two years experience working in a pediatric dental office or community clinic

License / Certification: Valid Dental Assistant Certificate, including radiology and infection control certification; valid and current BLS certification

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $24.76 per hour