Dental Assistant

Description

Riverland Community Health (RCH) is a Federally-Qualified Health Center in St. Paul, where patients receive community-based Family Practice medical care in addition to mental health, dentistry, social work and other integrated services. When joining RCH, you become part of a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming team who are dedicated to serving our patients and pursuing our mission to deliver excellent healthcare for all and training for the providers of tomorrow.

The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentist and in some cases dental hygienist in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the health center. This position is open to both licensed and unlicensed dental assistants. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies, and other related work under the direct supervision of the Dental Director and Dental Manager.

• Prepare, maintain, clean and sterilize dental instruments and equipment, room and tray setup/take down and materials for specified procedure according to clinic operation procedures and OSHA infection control and safety protocols.
• Handle and dispose of infectious and hazardous waste according to clinic protocols.
• Backup front desk positions, provide relief and support to front desk functions and perform office duties as requested.
• Answer phone in dental clinic and screen calls, confirm appointments as needed.
• Perform daily clinic start-up and close-down procedures according to procedures and protocols.
• Inventory supplies and order replacement supplies, perform inventory for audit.
• Demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting dental health.
• Attend staff meetings and actively contribute to planning and problem solving of clinic processes and workflow.
• Comply with HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the position as assigned by the Dental Director or Dental Manager.

• Verify patient’s identity; collect and record patient health histories (dental and medical), patient blood pressure and record information for dentist’s reference prior to examination.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
• Take diagnostic x-rays.
• Assist dentist chair-side by organizing and preparing instruments for dentist’s use and assisting as needed during procedures.
• Advise patients in oral hygiene and dental care.
• Follow through with post-visit duties based on established clinic protocols.
• Interact positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population.
• Provide service in a manner that is appropriate for the patient’s age; demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient’s physical, psychosocial, educational and safety needs.
• Read, write, and maintain patient records and related administrative documentation.
• Accurately chart results/findings of oral exam, as instructed by provider.
• Utilize the requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections.
• Demonstrate knowledge and proficiencies of dentistry procedures, chairside assisting using four handed delivery techniques, clinic infection control procedures and established clinic protocols.
• Proficiently perform oral hygiene instructions, child prophylaxis and fluoride treatment, places dental sealants.
• Monitor nitrous oxide analgesic.
• Take alginate impressions, pour and trim models, prepare cases for outside lab. Organize and track returned lab cases.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

• Ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with the care and compassion expected.
• Ensure all patient records and related documents are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.
• Affect favorable billing and collection outcomes. Ensure all patient services information is collected and accurately submitted timely and accurately.

• Ensure all tasks provided…