Front Desk/Unlicensed Dental Assistant

Job description

NACC’s mission is to promote the health & wellness of mind, body, and spirit of Native American families. We offer a full range of healthcare services that include Medical, Behavioral Health, Dental, and Substance Abuse. This position is primarily responsible for assisting in the dental department in implementation and delivery of care. This position is also responsible for providing individualized patient care to promote the restoration of oral health and achievement of patient's oral health goals by performing the following duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Coordinates with Dental Manager and dental faculty to ensure patient flow is appropriate for optimal clinic efficiency.
• Oversees and manages inventory and supplies, places orders.
• Covers the dental front desk, answers phone calls, registers, and rooms patients at the direction of the Dental Clinic Manger.
• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answers questions, and gives directions as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Prepares the operatory for patient treatment per dental department protocols and the dentist, or hygienist’s direction.
• Maintains dental department equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions and dental department policy and protocol.
• Maintains dental departments areas in compliance with dental department directives and protocols as well as clinic policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.
• Monitors patient flow and assists the Dental Clinic Manager, dentist, or hygienist in assuring all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.
• Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care within the dental department.
• Assists with various clinical and administrative functions, as appropriate and as time permits.
• Ensures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with dental department directive and protocol.
• Ensures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with the dental department directive, clinic policy as well as state and federal regulations.
• Performs all functions in full compliance with the clinic and the dental department exposure control plan including but not limited to; the use of personal protective equipment and universal precautions.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on-site and off- site, as required.
• Performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
• Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local and clinic rules, regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to; the participation of the Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care.
• Participates in office meetings and morning huddles.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management. Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.Performs all functions in a professional manner to register incoming patients; including scheduled appointments, same day appointments and walk-ins. Requests co-pays when appropriate; maintains cash receipts.

Scheduling appointments by phone as well as in-person, and handling general inquiries and transferring calls to the appropriate staff. Maintains current demographic and billing information in the computer records.
Manages the flow of the lobby, including directing incoming deliveries, checking patients in, placing appointment reminder calls, managing waiting list and filling failed appointments (e.g., walk-ins, crisis appointments).
Monitors the waiting room for patient flow and safety; notifies appropriate staff if any hazards, spills, or other concerns are present; understands emergency procedures.
Prepares charge tickets, verifies insurance 2 day prior to visit on all patients and at each same day visit.Participates in Performance Improvement activities as requested.
Scans and indexes patient registration, insurance and consent documents into document management system.
Maintains the medical/dental records in the including accurately filing documents, managing requests and releasing information, accurately routing and uploading faxes and records into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Electronic Dental Record (EDR) systems.
Manages the general flow in the registration area, including maintaining and requesting necessary supplies.
Cross-trains with all NACC program front desks in order to offer relief coverage as needed, including participation in a Saturday rotation.Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and/or experience: High School Diploma or GED. Passion for oral and community health; at least 1 year of job experience in a support, clinic or customer service role or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education and/or experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.Certificates, licenses and registrations required: Proof of current COVID-19 vaccination.

Computer skills required: Internet Software; Spreadsheet Software (Excel); Word Processing Software (Word); Electronic Mail Software (Outlook) and Medical/Dental Health Information Software.mation and medical history
- Assist with medical coding and billing processes
- Prepare treatment rooms for patient visits, ensuring cleanliness and organization
- Take and record patient vitals, including blood pressure and temperature
- Assist with dental procedures as needed, following aseptic technique protocols
- Provide patient education on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care instructions
- Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines to protect patient privacy

Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Previous experience as a dental receptionist or in a similar administrative role preferred
- Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and insurance processes
- Proficiency in using dental practice management software (e.g., Dentrix)
- Familiarity with medical imaging systems (e.g., CAD) for capturing dental images
- Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients and team members
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
- Ability to maintain professionalism in a fast-paced environment

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Dental Office: 1 year (Preferred)
• Customer Service: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person