Dental Assistant I - Webb Peds Dental Clinic

Denver Health and Hospital Authority•Denver, CO

About The Position

The Dental Assistant I works under direct supervision to provide sub-professional dental assistance in the care and treatment of dental patients. The role supports the clinic environment, daily schedules, patient flow, and clinical supportive functions, and may travel to other Denver Health dental clinics to assist as needed. The position primarily supports recall and preventive dental exams, assisting providers chairside, obtaining diagnostic materials and radiographs, maintaining patient data, communicating with patients, and following infection-control practices. The employee is expected to support positive, professional relationships and the team concept.

Requirements

Less than one year of experience providing chairside assistance to a dentist in the examination and treatment of patients.
BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required.
CDA-Certified Dental Assistant certification from the Dental Assisting National Board is listed.
Knowledge of dental materials such as composites, amalgam, impression materials, and Iso-dry.
Knowledge of patient record maintenance procedures.
Knowledge of OSHA, CDC, ADA, and Joint Commission safety guidelines.
Skill in placing and positioning suction tubes and isolation devices in patients.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Ability to follow dentist instructions.
Calming, positive, and supportive chairside manner.
Ability to support and travel to Denver Health dental clinics as needed.

Responsibilities

Maintain clinic environment-of-care areas, equipment, dental materials, and room supplies; complete assigned champion duties and help set up and break down rooms.
Review daily schedules, identify team needs, communicate adjustments, and support appropriate patient flow, including checking for schedule changes throughout the day and during downtime.
Begin learning time management and office flow; support front-office staff and leadership.
Greet and seat patients in a timely manner, communicate with them, and complete rooming questions.
Acquire diagnostic materials and quality radiographic images with good visibility and contrast.
Provide chairside dental assistance to providers and properly handle and sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
Use proper asepsis techniques and follow OSHA, Joint Commission, EPA, and HIPAA regulations and guidelines.
Support recall and preventive exams by reviewing patient charts and health histories, relaying information to the dentist, and updating health histories yearly.
Begin recognizing caries risk and develop skills related to fluoride treatment and radiograph periodicity.
Complete prophylaxis with disclosing agent and ensure no disclosing solution or plaque remains when finished.
Educate patients and parents about recommended hygiene instructions.
Begin learning to treatment plan and sequence treatment by priority with the dentist.
Hand off patients to the Patient Access Specialist and communicate next steps and patient status.
Maintain the dental operatory and remain attentive to providers’ and teammates’ needs.
Promote positive relationships with employees, physicians, patients, and visitors, treating them with courtesy, dignity, empathy, and respect.
Work with the front office to schedule patients.

Benefits

Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick time, and seven holidays.
100% paid parental leave for up to six weeks.
Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions up to 9.5%.
Medical, dental, and vision plans, plus employer-paid disability and life insurance.
Well-being programs, including an on-site employee fitness center and the RESTORE Center.
Free RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
Childcare discount programs and discounts on brands and travel.
Tuition reimbursement and assistance.
Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center.
Professional clinical advancement program and shared governance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, free student loan coaching, and assistance navigating the PSLF program.
Eligibility for National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps programs.