POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant (DA) is a key member of the Native American Health Center’s four-handed dental process, and will increase dentists’ efficiency by providing needed support. The primary responsibility of the DA is to assist dentists at chair-side, and to support departmental staff. The DA must be professional, objective, and have superior customer service standards. The DA will be travelling to all locations as scheduled for fill in coverage.

A lab coat will be provided by the Dental Department. The DA must wear personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear, masks and gloves and follow specific company and OSHA procedures when handling hazardous materials.  Long hair must be tied back away from the face and no jewelry may be worn (i.e., earrings, rings.). Cleanliness above all is essential. Punctuality and professional demeanor at all times is required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform all duties with excellence and in accordance with the Dental Practice Act of California. Provide support to dentists. This includes following all instructions from the assigned dentist at chair-side. Greet all patients in a courteous, professional, and timely manner. Ability to work in the General and Pediatric Dental Clinics. Explain plaque control to all patients in a manner that ensures their understanding. In collaboration with the dentists, provide oral hygiene instructions to patients and parents/caregivers. Apply topical anesthetic as requested by the assigned dentist. Check patients; vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, etc.) as necessary and/or requested by the assigned dentist. Prepare operatory for patient reception, according to departmental policy. Ensure operatory is as aseptic as possible for patient welfare. Ensure pre-set trays are well maintained, and always ready to be used for procedures. Proactively review chart notes for the planned treatment, in order to set up trays and operatory appropriately. Ensure all materials and instruments needed for providing treatment are ready and available for use. Prepare anesthesia for transfer to the assigned dentist. Retract oral tissues in order to increase visual access into the oral cavity. Remove excess moisture from the mouth by using hi-vac systems and/or air. Properly transfer instruments to dentists while maintaining extremely high attention to detail and adhering to sterilization standards. Prepare and properly deliver any required restorative materials to dentists. Obtain Informed Consent prior to dental treatment, and deliver post-operative instructions with guidance from assigned dentist. Assist clinical staff in optimizing patient flow. This will include restocking items, seating patients, ‘floating’, and supporting other dental team members with patient care. Keep work area well organized, stocked, and clean at all times. Keep uninvolved people out of the operatories at all times. Take impressions for diagnostic and opposing study models. Pour impressions with proper stone, package them for transport to dental laboratory, and forward to the receptionist. Operate digital dental radiographic equipment for the purpose of oral radiography. Proactively inform the Dental Lead RDA of any supplies that need to be replenished, so a consistent level of supplies is maintained at all times. Assist the assigned dentist with referrals, prescription phone-ins, and other processes involved in providing high quality dental care. DA, as deemed necessary and requested by Lead RDA or supervisors, will perform Sterilization duties in both the Dental and Pediatric Dental Clinics by performing sterilization and maintenance procedure according to departmental policy. Patient Care: Demonstrate understanding and apply working knowledge of safety policies and ensuring safe patient practices. Employee Safety: Safely performs all duties; follows required protective protocols to ensure personal safety as well the safety of others. Must maintain compliance with ergonomic safety standards; be mindful of posture and regularly practice ergonomic stretches. Actively participate in internal quality improvement teams and work with members proactively to drive quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the mission and strategic goals of the organization, federal and state laws and regulations, and accreditation standards when assigned. Work extremely well under pressure, meet multiple and often competing deadlines. At all times demonstrate cooperative behavior with supervisors, subordinates, colleagues, clients, vendors and the community Provide translation services, as needed, for the department. Engage in outreach and dental treatment off-site at Head Start and other collaborating agencies sites when assigned. All other duties as assigned by direct supervisor, assigned dentist and the Dental Director.