Dental Assistant

Welcoming all who need care

Job title

Dental Assistant

Reports to

Lead Dental Assistant

Status

Non-Exempt

Job purpose

To deliver a full range of oral hygiene services and education to Heartland Health Center patient panel. Dental Assistant reports directly to Chief Dental Officer. In compliance with Kansas Dental Board, under direct supervision of staff dentist when CDO is not present.

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

  • assure all forms are completed for procedures

  • review health history and transfer information to the clinical note completely and accurately
• Assist dentists and/or dental hygienists in daily clinical and operational activities including but not limited to:
  • 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

  • actively participate in keeping the provider on schedule
• Prepare patients for procedures and ensure that appropriate instructions and equipment are arranged and ready

• Maintain a clean oral working area prior to, during and post exams/procedures
• Promote an atmosphere of good dental and general health by demonstrating good personal oral hygiene
• Educate patients on techniques of flossing, brushing, overall oral health, and the role of the dental care team
• Clean and sterilize instruments appropriately
• Follows infection control protocols and standard operating procedures
• Complete required daily, monthly, and annual equipment maintenance
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Lab duties include pour and trim models and fabricating trays
• Remove the biohazard trash as needed
• Answer patient inquiries related to pain and/or medications
• Perform all duties in accordance with OSHA regulations
• Is attentive to patient and provider needs including dentist and dental hygienist

• Attend meetings as required (Joint Staff, Department, etc.)
• Completes assigned trainings in timely manner
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, but not 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

Details

Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 7:00pm

Hours are approximate and may be altered by supervisor(s) as needed.