Dental Assistant - Caldwell/Cleveland - Bilingual Preferred - Terry Reilly Health Services

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform four handed dentistry, explain treatment plans and procedures to patients, including treatment costs. Maintain set-up and break-down procedures for each patient encounter. Complete instrument sterilization of the clinic and maintain inventory of clinic supplies. Assist in ordering supplies and proper equipment maintenance, take radiographs and perform expanded duties according to certification, per the Rules of the Idaho State Board of Dentistry. Maintain infection control policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Prior to Patient Care:
• Turn on all equipment including: compressors, lights, units.
• Fill ultrasonic solutions and prepare the sterilization area.
• Fill water bottle for rooms.
• Refill Bur blocks.
• Ensure that supplies are properly stocked for the day.
• Post a copy of the patient schedule in the designated location.
• Review schedule and prepare for day appropriately.

Each Patient:

• Before seating the patient, ensure that the patient account is in good standing (this should be communicated by the front desk staff. If the information is not readily available to you, ask the front desk staff to check the patient's account).
• For any insured patients, ensure that the insurance is verified and that the patient is informed of their financial responsibilities.
• Be prepared to discuss with the patient their financial responsibilities prior to the service (this should be communicated by the front desk staff; however, if the information is not readily available to you, ask the front desk staff to check the patient's account).
• Seat the patient as soon as a chair is available, but within no more than 5 minutes of the patient's appointment time. If the patient will be seated more than 10 minutes late, you will inform the front desk and the patient and give them an approximate wait time.
• Set up the treatment room for the procedure scheduled (or as indicated in the EDR) and anticipate any possible changes.
• Review the patient's medical history, following the Dental Department process.
• Record the blood pressure for all procedures on patients as appropriate.
• Record weight for children under 18 at exam appointments as appropriate.
• Take digital radiographs, as needed or as directed by the dentist.
• Document patient dental records as directed in EHR/EDR. See that all forms and chart records are completed and signed, as appropriate.
• Assist dentist during procedure as efficiently as possible.
• Follow proper infection control procedures as established by dental program,
• and including the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in the Dental-Health Care Setting.
• Ensure that hand pieces are properly oiled and prepared.

After Clinical Hours:

• Follow up with any patient post-op calls, and no-show call as requested by the dentist.
• Prepare for the next day, restock all supplies, perform a regular inventory and identify any supplies that will need to be ordered.
• Turn off equipment.
• Log off computer and restart as well as turn off mouse, key board and monitor.
• Clean and wipe down rooms and equipment.
• Perform any necessary maintenance.
• Clear up your work area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Considerable manual dexterity to pass instruments to dentist, sufficient mobility to perform assigned essential duties and the willingness and ability to perform all dental assisting duties as described in the Idaho State Board of Dentistry Dental Assistant Practice (see hyperlink under General Responsibilities) and including radiographs and the use of nitrous oxide.
• Willing and able to carry equipment weighing approximately 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to strive for excellence in dentistry.
• Knowledge of dental terminology.
• Knowledge and training in general dental assisting duties, along with, endodontic, oral surgery, crown and bridge and prosthetic dentistry.
• Ability to work with the public and have good communication skills.
• Expanded Functions Certification.
• Flexibility to work with different providers/locations proficiently.
• Graduated from a Dental Assistant Program or comparable training and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

EOE/AA/Vet/Disabilities

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