Dental Assistant (Temp)

Family Healthcare Network • Porterville, CA

213d • $21 - $28

About The Position

The Dental Assistant is responsible for preparing the patient for dental treatment and assisting the dentist with various clinical dental procedures. This role involves supporting and monitoring patient flow in the back office, ensuring that all necessary information and lab cases are ready for patient visits, and assisting in the distribution of patients among dental providers. The Dental Assistant also performs initial aspects of the patient visit, including greeting patients, obtaining vital signs, and updating clinical information in the electronic health record. Additionally, the assistant performs supportive dental procedures under the supervision of a dentist, sterilizes instruments, and provides patients with oral health education and instructions for care following treatment.

Requirements

• Completion of high school or equivalent education.
• Proof of completing a Radiation Safety Course.
• Dental Assistant certification is required.
• Valid CA driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for document preparation and data management.

Responsibilities

• Support and monitor patient flow in the back office.
• Scrub appointments in advance to ensure proper lab cases and information is available for patient visits.
• Assist in the distribution of patients among dental providers, including walk-ins.
• Keep patients informed of wait times and ensure proper flow in the system.
• Understand general front office workflows and support scheduling when needed.
• Greet patients and escort them to the dental operatory.
• Obtain vital signs and patient data.
• Review health records with patients and update clinical information.
• Perform documentation in the patient's electronic health record according to policy.
• Ensure completion of consent forms and signatures.
• Operate dental radiographic equipment for oral radiography.
• Disinfect and prepare the operatory, setting up trays and dental armamentarium for treatment.
• Perform supportive dental procedures under general supervision of a dentist.
• Sterilize instruments under infection control protocol.
• Assist the dentist during various dental treatment procedures.
• Ensure patients feel comfortable before, during, and after treatment.
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following treatment procedures.
• Provide oral health education and hygiene instruction as needed.
• Explain dental treatment or procedures to patients when questions arise.
• Take impressions for diagnostic models and other dental applications.
• Apply non-aerosol and non-caustic topical agents.
• Remove post-extraction and periodontal dressings.
• Apply topical fluoride after scaling and polishing by the dentist.
• Place and remove rubber dams, wedges, and matrices.
• Communicate with patients and suppliers regarding appointments and supplies.
• Prepare and stock dental operatories and monitor supply levels.
• Discard biohazard waste and sharps appropriately.
• Test and clean sterilization equipment weekly and monthly.
• Clean water lines in dental operatory units daily and weekly.
• Maintain accurate and timely logs of activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees