Dental Assistant

JOB SUMMARY: The Dental Assistant performs patient care and other duties necessary to assist the dentist and dental hygienist in providing complete and safe care for all dental patients, as delegated by the Dental Director, while always working within the standards of the Dental Practice Act.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Tests and records on proper logs, all dental equipment, reporting any equipment malfunctions.
2. Demonstrates knowledge and clinical skills required to operate the instruments and equipment necessary for specific dental procedures.
3. Prepares dental treatment area and materials for patient care by insuring that appropriate items are available and ready for use.
4. Requests or secures dental record and encounter form for provider, checking encounter and other forms for complete information for processing.
5. Escorts/directs patient to and from the treatment area.
6. Completes and records in the chart, initial patient information including: history, complaint, medications, allergies, and other potentially important facts.

7. Takes and records blood pressure and heart rate of each patient.
8. Exposes, develops, and mounts intra-oral and pantographic radiographs in proper and safe manner.
9. Gives patients clear and concise instructions for x-ray preparation and postoperative instructions.
10. Is able to fabricate temporary restorations.
11. Disinfects and sterilizes each instrument after use, keeping all instruments in working order.
12. Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies.
13. Screens calls to dental area, taking messages and assisting with disposition of problems as indicated.
14. Assists in maintenance of dental records and paperwork.
15. Maintains strict confidentiality as required by HSl's handbook and HIPPA guidelines.
16. Assists in arranging patient appointments as required, including contacting referral providers.
17. Follows all required Infection Control standards as required by OSHA and JCAHO standards.
18. Performs other duties as delegated by supervisor and within Alabama Dental Standards.
19. Follow other company policies and procedures as specified in the employee handbook.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

1. 1. High school graduate or equivalent
   2. Successful completion of a dental assistant training program
   3. Previous work experience that includes chairside assisting and/or front desk training.
   4. Current and continuous BCLS certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Medicine and Dentistry-Must have knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties, interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
2. English Language-- Must have knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar. Must also have the ability to communicate information and ideas in concise, clear speaking, so others will understand.
3. Documentation-Must be able to record and document information in a concise, clear, manner in the patient's chart and the dental logs.
4. Customer and Personal Service-Must demonstrate knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, including: active listening and understanding, social perceptiveness, customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
5. Diversity and Cultural-Must  show the ability to consistently work effectively with individuals from

(    diverse backgrounds and cultures, also demonstrating the ability to respect and work effectively withthose who do not speak English.

6. Confidentiality/HIPPA-Must be able to maintain total confidentiality at all times as is mandated by HIPPA and JCAHO.

OSHA RISK FACTOR:  HighPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, speaking, and listening, on a regular basis.  Others include but are not limited to:

1. Arm-Hand Steadiness - Theability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
2. Finger Dexterity - Theability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
3. Selective Attention - Theability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without beingdistracted. 

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