Dental Assistant

Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant performs a wide variety of patient care and office duties, working chair‑side as dentists examine and treat patients. Makes patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, preparing them for treatment, and obtains dental records.

• Set up instrument trays, prepare materials
• Escort patient into dental examination room
• Preparing the patient for treatment by seating patient, obtaining records and applying protective garb
• Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients
• Preparing instruments, materials, and medicaments to be used
• Take and develop dental x-rays
• Assists during dental procedures by handing instruments and other supplies, suctioning, irrigating, etc. as instructed by the Dentist
• Assists dentist in management of medical and dental emergencies
• Decontaminate, scrubbing, packaging, and sterilizing all instruments
• Perform solely mechanical work upon inert matter in a dental office, e.g. trimming or mounting impressions taken by the dentist
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs
• Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by the Dentist
• Clean patient area of dental treatment room, removing instruments and supplies, discard disposable supplies and instruments, and ensuring that the room is ready for the next patient
• Clean and polish removable appliances
• Perform autoclave cleaning and testing
• Schedule appointments, receive payment for dental services, complete insurance forms
• Maintain clinical and business records, manually or using a computer
• Ensure that patient records are kept confidential consistent with the Health Center policies and procedures and HIPAA standards; monitor HIPAA compliance within the work environment
• Immediately report any discovered or suspected fraud, waste, or abuse of Health Center funds to the Administrative Manager or Program Director
• Immediately report any discovered or suspected violations of HCC's protected health information privacy or security policies and procedures to the Administrative Manager or Program Director

Health Care Choices NY is a Federally qualified health center which enables providers to be eligible for the federal loan repayment program. The medical outpatient program serves both community and special populations. The health center has primary, dentistry, behavioral health (psychiatry/social work), health home capabilities, and podiatry to facilitate supportive referrals within the same location.