Dental Assistant

Location: Brandywine

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:

Dental Assistant

FSLA Category:
Non Exempt

Reports To:

Center Manager

Date Issued:
October 2016, Revised June 2023, May 2026

Greater Baden Medical Services (GBMS) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare across Southern Maryland. With 9 clinical sites across Prince George's, Charles, and St. Mary's counties, we serve over 18,000 patients each year. We provide fully integrated care that includes primary care, pediatrics, women's health, Title X family planning, dental care, behavioral health, WIC, pharmacy services, and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.

Our patient population is primarily made up of Medicaid and uninsured individuals. We are deeply proud to deliver these vital services to everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay, making Greater Baden an incredibly rewarding place to grow your career while making a tangible, life-changing impact every day.

Job Summary:

Prepare the patient for treatment, assist the dentist in performing their treatment to the patient, prepare materials and equipment for treatment, take x-rays and assist the dentist in laboratory work. May perform other related work to include, but not limited to, making appointments, answer the phone, ordering supplies.

Minimum Qualifications

* Must have an active Maryland State Dental Radiation Technologist License.

* Certificate of completion from an accredited Dental Assisting Program.

* Active Dental Assistant License.

* Active Dental Radiation Technologist License.

* High School diploma, GED, or equivalent certification of competency.

Essential Functions:

* Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.

* Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.

* Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.

* Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments.

* Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.

* Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming, and polishing study casts.

* Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances.

* Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining cpr certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.

* Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions.

* Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.

* Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.

* Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.

* Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.

* Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.

* Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.

* Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.

Nonessential Functions:

* Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

* Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Core Values:

- Quality Respect Teamwork Equity Integrity Passion Love

Supervisory Responsibility
- None

Managerial Responsibilities
- None

Substitutions
- None

Competencies Needed

Accountability - Meets established expectations and takes responsibility for achieving results; encourages others to do the same.

Communication - Listen and verbally in order to solve problems and provide information and direction, ensuring the experience is a positive one. Record issues and resolutions to maintain accurate records and data for further analysis by management.

Organization - Effectively managing tasks and information and organize information to ensure a timely response to questions. Develops and uses systems to organize and keep track of information or work progress.

Customer Focus - Connects meaningfully with customers to build emotional engagement and patient advocacy. Simplifies complexity and integrates internal efforts to deliver an optimal customer experience.

Time Management - Understands what is required and prioritizes to get tasks/projects completed and establishes/implements an effective course of action (ex. establishes appropriate deadlines).…