Bilingual Dental Assistant I - (Wenatchee Dental)

CVCH•Wenatchee, WA

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bilingual Dental Assistant I provides dental and patient-care support by assisting dentists independently with clinical, radiology, laboratory, sterilization, clerical, and chart-management duties. The role provides customer service in English and Spanish, supports patient understanding of treatment plans, and participates in outreach programs. The position is based in an interior medical/clinical environment and is not eligible for telecommuting. Compensation is $20.33 per hour, per diem.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Registration as a Dental Assistant with the Washington State Department of Health.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification, or ability to obtain it within the first 90 days of employment.
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
Ability to handle delicate equipment and knowledge of dental instruments, equipment, procedures, technical dental practices, filling preparations, sterilization techniques, and laboratory procedures.
Basic computer experience, adequate typing skills, and knowledge of computer applications and equipment related to the work.
Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and complete tasks and projects in a timely manner.
Strong customer-service, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with diverse consumers and collaboratively across teams and departments.
Ability to work independently, learn quickly, and adjust assignments in response to system changes.
Leadership skills and the ability to act as an informal leader and maintain effective working relationships with peers, patients, agencies, contracted providers, and the public.
Caring attitude and commitment to serving low-income patients.
Excellent attention to detail and knowledge of office routines and record-keeping procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively in community health education programs and knowledge of teaching aids and methods.
Ability to handle average-weight objects up to 20 pounds regularly and lift up to 40 pounds occasionally; stand and/or walk more than four hours per day; and hold dental equipment in a patient’s mouth for extended periods.
Ability to work standing, sitting, and walking throughout a fast-paced clinic work period.
Ability to read computer keyboards, monitors, documents, and extensive written material; analyze documents; hear and assess patients’ verbal presentations; and receive and convey detailed information orally, in person, and by telephone.
Ability to follow safety precautions and OSHA protocols when working with blood, blood-borne pathogens, fluids, tissue, sharps, and needles; use personal protective equipment when appropriate.
Preparedness to start shifts on time, meet attendance standards, and work the hours necessary to perform essential functions.

Nice To Haves

Dental Assisting school certificate.
Accreditation from a Dental Assisting program.
Dental assisting experience.

Responsibilities

Assist dentists chairside independently and perform dental assistant procedures allowed under Washington State law.
Prepare operatories and follow infection-control, occupational-safety, CDC, and OSHA procedures, including Universal Precautions.
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control.
Participate in School, Headstart, EPIC, and Migrant Camp offsite outreach programs.
Maintain operatory equipment and inventory; identify expired supplies, tag or lock out unsafe or damaged equipment, and arrange equipment repairs or service.
Demonstrate and maintain competency with digital and panoramic radiology.
Open, close, stock, organize, and maintain operatories and the laboratory; assist with inventory, storage, and supply ordering.
Open and maintain the central sterile room and perform central sterile technician duties as needed.
Maintain patient records and related documents accurately and promptly in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable requirements.
Complete patient chart entries and collect and submit patient service and billing information accurately and promptly.
Schedule appointments, prepare cost estimates, maintain records, and enter data into computer systems.
Document recall reminders and no-shows, including follow-up calls, and prepare dental referrals and laboratory slips as requested by dental providers.
Greet patients and visitors, respond to inquiries in person and by phone, communicate clearly with patients and colleagues, and provide accurate verbal translation when required.
Meet the AIDET customer-service standard and maintain the required proficiency score.
Use the dental department phone system; provide approved information and educational materials; review and update dental records and assist patients with paperwork.
Provide backup for front-desk functions as needed.
Monitor and report non-compliance, unsafe conditions, and safety or feedback incidents to the Dental Director and Dental Operations Manager according to applicable protocols.
Perform other assigned duties; meet attendance and punctuality standards; follow safety, housekeeping, CVCH, Joint Commission, and HIPAA policies; and support the organization’s values and mission.