Registered Dental Assistant I

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Registered Dental Assistant I shall be responsible for performing all basic registered dental assistant duties such as coronal polishing, fabrication of temporary crowns, temporary filling, and impression. Additionally, the Registered Dental Assistant I shall be responsible for chair side assisting, rooming and dismissing patients, set up and breaking down operatory rooms, taking x-rays, ensuring that patients are comfortable and provide with good patient services, and sterilizing dental instruments and equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Listed below you will find essential duties and responsibilities to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodation will be granted, as necessary to perform the essential duties and function of this position.

• Chair side assisting with dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Learning each dentist’s preferred practices and tray set up for specific treatments
• Following all OSHA, Dental Board and health center policies and procedures
• Maintaining proper patient treatment records
• Providing oral hygiene instructions to patient
• Breaking down and set up operatory rooms
• Turning on all units, switches and water before patient sits down
• Asking about the patient’s medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse
• Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment
• Helping patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Providing patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (Give pre and post-operative instructions)
• Teaching patient appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health; (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling)
• Stocking supplies in operatory room, restroom, lab, etc.
• Traveling to other dental clinics to provide coverage
• Setting up tray for treatment procedures
• Seating and dismissing patients
• Assisting with receptionist duties such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, pull and file charts
• Assisting with dental referrals and dental billing
• Tracking lab cases
• Maintaining proper patient records
• Reporting any non-compliance issues to Manager
• Creating a productive and collaborative environment.
• Taking dental radiographs (X-rays)
• Assisting with training new dental assistants and registered dental assistants
• Performing basic registered dental assistant functions such as coronal polishing, fabrication of temporary crowns, temporary filling, and impression as approved by the California Dental Board
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by dental office manager or supervisor

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position.

• EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • High School Diploma OR equivalent
  • One year of customer service, clinical, or dental assistant experience
• CERTIFICATION & LICENSE
  • Has a Registered Dental Assistant License
  • Has a certification in the following courses:
    • Dental Practice Act
    • Infection Control
    • Basic Life Support
    • Radiation Safety
    • Coronal polish
• SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Ability to conduct oneself in a profession manner
  • Ability to cooperative and collaborate with a team of dental professional to provide non-discriminatory care to underserved patient populations
  • Ability to use Word, Excel, Power point, and Outlook
  • Ability to learn and use Electronic Health Record Systems (e.g., IMS, EPIC and Dentrix).
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a high volume environment.
  • Ability to prioritize and perform a variety of tasks in a fast paced environment.
  • Ability to take initiative and function with a high level of independence and problem solve.
  • Ability to maintain a good attendance and report to work on time
  • Ability to effectively communicate (oral and written)
  • Ability to provide good customer/patient services
  • Ability to lift 20 pounds
  • Ability to sit, stand, and walk for 7-8 hours per day
  • Ability to adhere to the health center’s policies and procedures include but not limited to safety, employment and dental care services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is characteristic of a clinic environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to handle or feel. The employee is also required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must also possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone. The noise level in the work environment is usually noisy.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves or their homes. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee may also be exposed to bodily fluids (blood, urine) and hazardous chemicals.