Dental Assistant (X-Ray Certified)

About the role

The Dental Assistant is responsible for both clinical and administrative elements of the day-to-day functioning of the agency’s dental clinic. The Dental Assistant is vital to the agency’s infection control program, through sterilization of both medical and dental instruments using CDC standards of infection control. The Dental Assistant collaborates with the rest of the dental staff to ensure the delivery of comprehensive dentistry.

Responsibilities

• Assists the dental and medical clinics with sterilization and maintaining infection control standards according to CDC, OSHA and Joint Commission requirements.
• Effectively perform basic dental assisting duties according as well as, but not limited to, operatory set-up/break-down, taking radiographs, taking dental impressions, chairside assisting for all dental procedures as well as hygiene as needed.
• Consider all relevant factors (such as dental schedule, treatment plan, dental and medical history) and use appropriate decision-making criteria to deliver dental care.
• Prioritize tasks including, but not limited to, completing lab procedures (pouring up models, sending out cases, managing lab invoices), ordering supplies, disposing of expired materials, organizing the dental clinic, and disposing of waste.
• Partner with other Dental Assistants to achieve shared objectives for smooth operation throughout the dental department; gain trust and support of colleagues by proactively taking on shared responsibilities and demonstrating proper communication.
• Takes clinical direction from dentists and hygienist.
• Provides assistance to Fallsway as the primary site, and will be required to travel to other agency dental clinics as needed.

  Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED and certification of completion from a state accredited Dental Assistant Program, required.
  • Current X-ray certification, required.
  • Current BLS certification, required.
  • Evidence of ongoing professional continuing education as required.
  • One year of experience in a dental setting, required.
  • Experience in a community health center or primary care setting, preferred.
  • Experience working with underserved populations, preferred.

  Qualifications

  • Strong organizational skills necessary to ensure smooth operation of the dental clinic.
  • Excellent communication skills, including comfort with databases and systems.
  • Strong interpersonal skills necessary to work with disadvantaged and underserved populations and to collaborate with other medical team members, other staff members, and personnel of other agencies.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality surrounding all information related to clients served by the clinic.
  • Able to cope with interruptions, be flexible, and be a team player.
  • Able to work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset and sometimes hostile individuals.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrate ability to adapt by seizing new opportunities with a can-do attitude and stepping up to handle challenging situations.

  Skills

  • Strong organizational skills necessary to ensure smooth operation of the dental clinic.
  • Excellent communication skills, including comfort with databases and systems.
  • Strong interpersonal skills necessary to work with disadvantaged and underserved populations and to collaborate with other medical team members, other staff members, and personnel of other agencies.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality surrounding all information related to clients served by the clinic.
  • Able to cope with interruptions, be flexible, and be a team player.
  • Able to work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset and sometimes hostile individuals.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrate ability to adapt by seizing new opportunities with a can-do attitude and stepping up to handle challenging situations.

  Benefits

  Health Care for the Homeless offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings options.

  Pay

  Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

  Schedule

  This position is full-time and works a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the dental clinic.