POSITION SUMMARY
The Dental Assistant position assists the dental provider by preparing the patient for their dental treatment. The dental assist provides a patient-centered, welcoming environment for the patient and assists the dental provider as needed during the dental visit. The Dental Assistant provides overall flow management of daily patient visits.
PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Prepares the patient for dental visit
- Prepares treatment area for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
- Provides instrumentation to treatment area; positioning instruments, suctioning, passing instruments, etc.
- Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Taking patients medical history and vitals when needed
- Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
- Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control and postoperative instructions
- Taking impressions of patients’ teeth when needed
- Assists in maintaining dental supply inventory in the department
- Assists dental providers in managing dental emergencies
- Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures and policies
- Assisting with scheduling, phones and patient check-in when needed
- Other duties as assigned.
Operational Excellence
- Work efficiently and effectively by implementing LEAN methodologies
- Conserve dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed
Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain collaborative supporting relationships with all staff and providers
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Qualifications
- High School Diploma
- WA State Department of Health Dental Assistant registration
Experience and Skillset
- Previous Dental Assistant experience
- Detail oriented
- Possess superior interpersonal and communication skills
- Possess a patient-centered focus
- Be highly organized and efficient
- Ability to be flexible and multi-task
- Uphold the mission, values, and principles of the organization
- Create and maintain a positive culture
- Present a professional appearance, attitude and demeanor
Physical/Environmental
- Sitting, standing and walking approximately 80% of the time.
- A medium to high level of manual dexterity required.
- Bending and reaching approximately 20% of the time.
- Normal accessibility and mobility throughout the region required.
- Normal overtime/extended work hours.
- Normal ambulatory health center working environment. Requires good verbal and written communications skills. Must be able to speak and read the English language.
- Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of 50 pounds without assistance.