Dental Assistant

Job Purpose:

Provides dental assistant services according to licensing protocols and under the appropriate supervision and provides receptionist duties

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

(Note: Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at the sole discretion of Sycuan Management at any time)

• Performs morning opening procedures in preparation for patient care
• Greets patients and maintains a safe clean working environment
• Seats patients and informs the dentist that they are present
• Takes and processes x-rays as directed by the dentist
• Prepares the treatment tray in preparation for dental care
• Assists the dentist within established licensing and supervisory limitations
• Adheres to standards for infection control and personal protection in accordance with SMDC, local, state and federal OSHA regulations
• Disinfects the dental operatory prior to and after patient care
• Maintains the dental unit vacuum unit solids collector (trap) and lines
• Replenishes the dental unit distilled water supply
• Cleans, organizes and stocks inventory in the dental operatory, sterilization area, laboratory and darkroom
• Maintains, sterilizes and disinfects all x-ray machines, processors, sterilizers, operatory equipment, dental hand-pieces, procedure instruments and other equipment utilized during daily operations
• Documents the sterilization inventory board to maintain adequate supply inventory
• Completes laboratory work as needed and manages cases to be sent out and the return date for their delivery
• Performs and documents the inventory of all department equipment
• Performs and documents the testing and maintenance of sterilizers, eyewash stations, emergency resuscitation gear, defibrillator and fire extinguishers
• Answers the telephone and provides information and services according to scripted protocols
• Responds to recorded messages and forwards calls and inquiries as needed
• Calls patients to confirm scheduled visits and to fill available appointments
• Calls laboratories, vendors, contracted entities and medical/dental providers to ensure continuous operations and facilitate patient care
• Coordinates dental appointments according to sequenced treatment plans, required procedure time and conforming to current templates
• Informs dental providers and assistant staff of appointments scheduled on the basis of urgent care or Tribal priority
• Manages hard charts and opens electronic charts as needed and in preparation for scheduled dental visits
• Provides patients with appropriate registration forms, obtains insurance eligibility information and creates new electronic and hard patient charts
• Updates electronic and hard patient charts with current identification, contact and insurance/billing information
• Completes registration of patients into appropriate existing SMDC databases
• Monitors and maintains the integrity of the electronic daily patient schedule
• Delivers the patient hard chart to the treatment room and notifies all department staff of patient arrivals and schedules changes both verbally and electronically
• Provides and obtains electronic and physical patient signatures on treatment plans, consent documents, information release waivers and notification of SMDC practice policies
• Manages chart documents for FAX, scan and copy in accordance with current policy and HIPAA restrictions
• Reports workplace hazards and safety issues promptly according to SMDC and OSHA regulations
• Complies with the posted General Industry Safety Orders Code of Safe Practices
• Performs afternoon closing procedures after the completion of patient care
• Maintains strict confidentiality with regard to all components of the patient dental record, other personal information acquired during the performance of job duties and concerning SMDC and interdepartmental discussions
• Attends all full staff and departmental meetings
• Attends and participates in all SMDC drills, trainings and unscheduled meetings conducted during hours of operation
• Performs all job functions in compliance with SMDC policies and procedures

Job Specifications:

Education and Experience:

Essential:

• X-ray technician license
• Certificate of Completion from accredited Dental Assistant School
• California coronal polishing certificate
• Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification
• High School diploma or GED equivalent

Desirable:

• Tribal clinic experience
• Dental assistant/receptionist experience
• California Registered Dental Assistant License
• California cavitron scaler certificate
• California dental sealant certificate

Skills and Knowledge:

Essential:

• Working knowledge of dental office procedures
• Working knowledge of electronic dental practice management data-bases
• Working knowledge of laws and regulations governing the management of dental records
• Working knowledge of MS Office
• Working knowledge of FAX, scanner and copy machines
• Working knowledge of MS Outlook and web search browser
• Ability to key 30 words per minute
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with patients and staff
• Ability to complete forms and documents
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to communicate effectively in English
• Ability to appear for work on time
• Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hours at a time
• Ability to lift up to 40lbs
• Ability to routinely bend, reach, pull, and push
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor
• Ability to adhere to SMDC work attendance and punctuality policies
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure
• Ability to appear for work on time
• Ability to accept constructive criticism

Supervisory/Managerial Accountability:

Direct: None

Indirect: None

If you enjoy being part of a community dedicated to creating a memorable guest experience, we invite you to explore career opportunities with Sycuan and join our winning team!