Dental Assistant

Duties and responsibilities

• Check patients in for dental visits:
• Perform needed x-rays
• Obtain vital signs (i.e. electric and manual blood pressure)
• Perform needed blood glucose monitoring
• Set up instruments for procedures/examinations
• Review forms and complete them accurately
• Review health history and transfer information to the clinical note
• Aid dentists and/or dental hygienists in daily clinical and operational activities:
• Use four-handed practices at chair side
• Provide proper instruments during procedure to the dentist
• Make chart entries under the direction of the dentist or dental hygienist
• Record all findings and treatment plans completely and accurately in the patient’s chart
• Participate actively in keeping the provider on schedule
• Prepare patients for procedures and ensure appropriate instructions and equipment are arranged and ready
• Maintain a clean oral working area prior to, during, and post exams/procedures
• Promote good dental and general health by demonstrating good personal oral hygiene
• Inform patients on techniques of flossing, brushing, overall oral health, and the role of the dental care team
• Clean and sterilize instruments appropriately
• Follow infection control protocols and standard operating procedures
• Complete required daily, monthly, and annual equipment maintenance
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Perform lab duties such as pour and trim models and fabricating trays
• Remove biohazard trash as needed
• Answer patient inquiries related to pain and/or medications
• Perform all duties in accordance with OSHA regulations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Any combination of education and work experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying
• Spanish Bilingual preferred, but not required
• Must have and maintain CPR certification
• Must have and maintain BLS Certification
• Must have and maintain Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse participant and employee base
• Must have and maintain High energy, positive, ability to work autonomously, flexibility, teamwork, attention to detail, and high degree of initiative
• Must agree to uphold Heartland’s guiding values of Compassion, Respect, Collaboration, and Integrity
• Must have Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job
• Must perform assigned clinic housekeeping
• Must disinfect operatories and patient seating between patients
• Must arrive to work on time
• Must maintain clean and neat attire
• Must maintain good personal hygiene
• Must drive and maintain company vehicle