Dental Assistant - PRN

West Cecil Health Center•Conowingo, MD

65d

About The Position

West Cecil Health Center (WCHC) is seeking a Dental Assistant to join our team 4 - 5 days per week from December through June WCHC is a thriving nonprofit, community health organization that provides comprehensive and collaborative patient centered healthcare services. Based primarily in Conowingo, some travel to Elkton may be required. Bilingual is a plus. Position Summary: The Dental Assistant plays a vital role in supporting dental providers and ensuring high-quality, efficient care for patients. Under the supervision of a licensed dentist, the Dental Assistant prepares operatories, assists during procedures, sterilizes instruments, and provides patient education. This position helps maintain the flow of the dental office, adheres to infection control standards, and promotes a positive experience for all patients.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
X-Ray certification required
Proficient knowledge of dentistry procedures and clinic infection control procedures
Proficient in dental terminology
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Proficiency in dental software and basic computer skills
Sufficient capability to fulfill job responsibilities.
Standing, walking, sitting: Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit at a desk/workstation for prolonged periods (typically 8-12 hours per shift).
Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: Ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 20 pounds: (examples: medical equipment, supplies, patient files).
Reaching: Capacity to reach (choose overhead and/or at or below shoulder level)
Keyboarding: Entering text or data into a computer or other machine by means of a traditional keyboard.
Gross Manipulation: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hand(s). It is often present when lifting involves the hands. Note: Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an extension of the hand to hold or operate a tool such as tin snips or scissors.
Fine Manipulation: Touching, picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers to execute tasks such as answering phones, typing, transporting, and filing charts.
Speaking: Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word to impart oral information to clients or the public and to convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
Hearing Requirements: The ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds (e.g., machinery alarms, medical codes or alarms). Including in-person speech, over the telephone, and/or using equipment
Visual Acuity: sufficient to clearly see and distinguish small objects, including while using a computer, as well as to recognize individuals and features at a distance

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Dental Assisting program preferred
Current state-specific Dental Assistant registration or certification preferred
Dental Assistant experience preferred
Bilingual, English/Spanish, is aspirational

Responsibilities

Assist dentist during a wide variety of general dental procedures including exams, restorations, extractions, and preventative care
Prepare and maintain dental operatories and instruments before, during and after procedures
Take and process dental radiographs in compliance with state regulations
Collect and record patient health histories, blood pressure, and chief complaint prior to examination
Record patient information, treatment notes, and procedure accurately in the electronic dental record system
Assist the dentist in coordinating medical records, prior authorization requests, and referrals to specialists.
Provide chairside support to ensure patient comfort and safety during procedures
Support hygienist with patient flow to provide relief and support as needed
Educate patients on oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care
Assist with or initiate emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during the treatment of patients.
Monitor and maintain inventory of dental supplies and instruments
Disinfection, packaging, tracking, and checking in lab cases
Sterilize instruments and disinfect treatment areas in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and WCHC guidelines
Ensure all dental equipment is cleaned, maintained, and functioning properly
Support the front office staff with patient flow to provide relief and support when needed
Communicate effectively with the dental team to ensure seamless care delivery
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and quality improvement initiatives
Uphold and consistently represent the mission, vision, and values of WCHC at all times.
Utilize the requisite tools, systems, and technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management, and collections.
Ensure all patient records and related documents are managed and maintained in a timely and accurate manner, consistent with all HIPAA and associated regulations and requirements.
Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes, and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, as well as clinic policies and procedures.
Complies with all regulatory compliance areas, policies, and procedures
Ensure effective relationships within and among department staff and other functional areas within WCHC
Develop favorable relationships with vendors and related external entities.
Bilingual employees: Provide communication and translation assistance to patients within the role scope