PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Under direct supervision by a dentist, the dental assistant assists dentists in providing dental and oral health care services to patients in clinics and performs related dental and oral health care work.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide optimal, chair side, four handed-dentistry dental assistance to the dentist as needed during all patient care activities.
2. Prepares patients for dental and oral health care.
3. Prepares the dental operatory with the appropriate dental instruments and supplies for the dentist.
4. Transfers equipment and supplies to the dentist or the dental hygienist.
5. Responds to patient questions and related inquiries.
6. Maintains the patient electronic record. (EPIC, Dentrix, Wisdom)
7. Operates the dental machines as needed for the operation of the clinic. (Water, suction, and compressor).
8. Sterilizes and disinfects instruments, sets up instrument trays.
9. Produces dental x-rays as needed for diagnosis and patient care. (Periapical and panoramic)
10. Facilitates related services for health center clients as appropriate with respect to their confidentiality and privacy.
11. Maintains clean, neat and orderly dental operatories at all times.'
12. Provide patient with follow up appointment upon the completion of visit.
13. Adheres to the proper opening and closing of the dental clinic.
11. Wears a neat and clean uniform.
12. Provides clerical support when staff shortages exist.
13. Maintains department logbooks. (Prosthetics, sterilization, etc.)
14. Prepares and packs instruments for transportation to Central Sterilization.
15. Mixes amalgam, medicaments and prepares dental instruments.
16. Monitors patient flow.
17. Complies with HIPPA Privacy Act.
18. Maintains infection control practices as well as a clean and safe work environment.
19. Adheres to all local, state, and national dental practice policies and procedures.
20. Disposes all dental waste in accordance to applicable statues and laws.
21. Maintains regular time and attendance.
22. Maintains professional development through enrollment in job specific continuing education.
23. Attends department, facility and Network staff meetings.
24. Supports and adheres to current local, national and corporate patient safety and harm reduction goals.
25. Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs.
26. Schedules appointments, generates and closes encounters, prepares bills and receives payment for dental services, completes insurance forms, and maintains clerical records.
27. Orders supplies and maintains updated inventory.
28. Alerts the purchasing to malfunctioning equipment.
29. Calls laboratory to pick up denture cases.
30. Logs in denture cases delivered to the clinic by the lab.
31. Answers telephone in dental suite and takes messages while dentist is treating.
32. Helps obtain “Time Out” and “Consent” of necessary patients
33. Means and ability to travel between clinics.
34. Performs other related duties, as assigned.
35. Maintains an atmosphere of courtesy, respect, and professionalism at all times.
36. Supports the Mission, Vision, and Value Statement of Gotham and NYCHHC.