The Dental Assistant reports to the site manager and Assistant Site Manager with clinical oversight from SVP of Dental Services, SVP of Nursing, and Chief Medical Officer. The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the Zufall Health Center.
Requirements
- Serves as dentist’s or dental hygienist’s chair-side assistant
- Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per ZHC protocols and the dentist’s or dental hygienist’s directions
- Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions, and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist
- Maintains dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for use and Dental Department policy and protocol
- Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as ZHC policies and procedures relative to infection control, blood borne pathogens, exposure control, and safety issues
- Maintains all dental department’s materials, equipment, and ensures the sterility of all clinical material and equipment in accordance with the products standards, ZHC infection control policies, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and The Joint Commission (JC) standards
- Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes
- Maintains a list of all Dental Department patients, monitors patient flow, and assists the SVP of Dental Services, dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in ensuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed
- Receives and places work-related telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and ZHC patient care needs
- Assist with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate
- Ensures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive, ZHC policy as well as state and federal regulation(s)
- Performs all functions in full compliance with ZHC and the Dental Department Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Control plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions
- Participates in appropriate health promotion / disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required
- Travels between sites when required to meet ZHC needs
- As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives
- Responsible for maintaining personal compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and ZHC rules
- Follows all regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to participating in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as workplace safety, public health, and patient confidentiality in keeping with HIPAA rules and regulations
- Conducts routine testing of dental units
- Available to provide proper coverage of auxiliary staff, when staff calls out sick, providing lunch and late coverage
- Demonstrates and teaches new staff, students, interns, and volunteers the use of equipment and proper dental protocol as it relates to patient care
- Works in patient intake areas as needed
- Performs other duties as assigned
