Bilingual Dental Assistant I-Per Diem (East Wenatchee Dental)

CVCH•East Wenatchee, WA

22d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bilingual Dental Assistant I provides patient care and support to dentists and clinic staff, performing dental assisting procedures permitted under Washington State law. The role includes chairside assistance, patient education, radiology, laboratory and sterilization duties, operatory preparation, equipment maintenance, inventory support, and participation in off-site outreach programs. The position follows infection-control, occupational-safety, and clinic procedures, including CDC, OSHA, HIPAA, and Joint Commission requirements. The position also supports patient records and clerical workflows, including chart entries, billing information, appointment scheduling, cost estimates, recalls, referrals, no-show follow-up, and related documentation. The Dental Assistant provides courteous customer service, communicates with patients and coworkers, and provides English-Spanish translation when needed. The role is based in an interior medical/clinical environment and is not eligible for telecommuting. This is a per-diem position paying $20.33 per hour.

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, and procedures.
Knowledge of computer applications and equipment related to the work; basic computer experience and adequate typing ability.
Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and complete work in a timely manner.
Strong customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with a diverse community and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to work independently, learn quickly, adjust assignments in response to system changes, and demonstrate leadership in an informal capacity.
Attention to detail and knowledge of dental practices, filling preparations, sterilization techniques, laboratory procedures, teaching aids, office routines, and record keeping.
Ability to communicate effectively in community health education programs and with patients, including conveying and receiving detailed information in person and by telephone.
Ability to meet moderate physical demands, including regularly handling objects up to 20 pounds and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds; standing or walking more than four hours per day; and holding dental equipment in a patient's mouth for extended periods.
Ability to work in a fast-paced interior clinical environment while standing, sitting, and walking throughout the work period.
Ability to perform essential visual and sensory tasks, including reading screens and documents, preparing and analyzing documents, hearing and assessing patient communications, and conveying detailed instructions orally.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assist dentists chairside independently and provide dental care within the scope permitted by Washington State law.
Follow infection-control, operatory-preparation, occupational-safety, and universal-precaution procedures in accordance with applicable clinic, CDC, and OSHA requirements.
Instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque-control programs.
Participate in school, Headstart, EPIC, and Migrant Camp off-site outreach programs.
Check inventory for outdated or expired items; tag or lock out unsafe or damaged equipment; maintain consistent use of materials; and arrange repair or service of dental equipment as needed.
Demonstrate and maintain competency with digital and panoramic radiology.
Keep operatories and the laboratory stocked, organized, and safe; perform daily opening, closing, and maintenance; and assist with inventory, storage, and supply orders.
Open and maintain the central sterile room and perform central sterile technician duties as needed.
Manage patient records and related documents accurately and promptly in compliance with HIPAA and related requirements.
Complete patient chart entries and submit patient service and billing information accurately and on time.
Schedule appointments, prepare cost estimates, maintain records, and enter information into computer systems as applicable.
Document exam and hygiene recall reminders after visits; document no-shows and complete follow-up phone calls according to protocols.
Prepare dental referrals and laboratory slips as requested by a dental provider.
Greet patients and visitors warmly, respond to inquiries in person and by phone, and communicate clearly with patients, dentists, and coworkers.
Provide accurate verbal English-Spanish translation when required and perform AIDET with the required proficiency.
Use the dental department phone system and assist patients with approved information and educational materials.
Ensure patient paperwork is completed while reviewing and updating dental records; provide backup front-desk support as needed.
Report non-compliance, risks, unsafe conditions, safety incidents, and feedback incidents to the appropriate dental leadership and through applicable protocols.
Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor; meet attendance and punctuality expectations; follow safety and housekeeping policies; and support the organization’s values, mission, and culturally sensitive care.