Dental Assistant - Congress - Adult Dental
About The Position
The Dental Assistant supports dental care by assisting providers in delivering patient care and performing procedures permitted under Arizona State Dental Laws, along with other duties authorized by providers and supervisors. The role supports El Rio Health’s mission of providing comprehensive, quality, affordable, and accessible health care. The Dental Assistant assists dentists and hygienists with patient care, prepares patients and treatment areas, documents treatment and charges, maintains instruments and equipment, supports patient flow, and provides patients with information and oral hygiene instruction as directed by providers. The position also helps maintain a safe, clean, compliant work environment and supports the dental team’s productivity and continuity of operations. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited Dental Assistant Program and/or at least three years of chairside dental assisting experience. Required credentials include a current Arizona Board-approved radiology certificate and current Basic Life Support certification for health care providers. A Level I fingerprint clearance card is required. Reliable transportation is also required to accommodate operational reassignments during the workday; employees driving during work hours must have a valid driver’s license and meet Arizona vehicle insurance requirements. Schedule is TBD. Salary is $17.57–$26.35, depending on qualifications.
Requirements
- High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
- Certificate of completion from an accredited Dental Assistant Program and/or at least three years of chairside dental assisting experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if directly related to the job functions and responsibilities.
- Current Arizona Board-approved certificate in radiology.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for health care providers.
- Current, valid Level I fingerprint clearance card in good standing, or application for one within seven working days after beginning employment; the posting also states that new hires must submit a fingerprint clearance card or receipt before the hire date and obtain a Level One Non-IVP card within 30 days after hire.
- Reliable transportation to meet operational reassignments during the workday.
- Valid driver’s license and compliance with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements if driving during work hours.
- Compliance with pre-employment drug testing and applicable post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Nice To Haves
- One year of work experience as a Dental Assistant.
- Bilingual English/Spanish ability to speak, read, and write in both languages.
Responsibilities
- Assist dentists and hygienists in delivering patient care, including passing instruments, placing rubber dams, using air and water syringes and high-speed evacuation systems, and taking, pouring, and trimming preliminary impressions and models.
- Help providers manage dental and medical emergencies using authorized procedures, including CPR, Universal Precautions, and OSHA guidelines.
- Record treatment and progress notes, code service charges, and prepare treatment plans in dental charts and computer systems according to policy and procedures.
- Prepare patients for treatment, including taking and recording blood pressure, seating patients, and preparing them for providers at their appointed times.
- Keep operatories, the dental laboratory, sterilization areas, and other work areas clean and organized; properly clean, store, and maintain instruments, handpieces, and sterilization units.
- Work proficiently with providers and team members to support workflow, including covering for team members when needed.
- Work flexibly in qualified clinic areas and perform other duties as required.
- Assist with patient flow and take a leadership role when assigned on a rotational basis.
- Comply with organizational policies and procedures, including HIPAA and compliance requirements.
- Prepare and maintain dental trays and instruments, and wash and sterilize instruments according to clinic procedures and protocols.
- Maintain a safe work environment, address and report hazards, follow health and safety procedures, and participate in safety programs, potentially including an emergency response team assignment.
- Support expected productivity through effective time management and collaboration with team members.
- Capture correct charges, confirm appointments, seat scheduled patients, walk-ins, and emergency patients, and take steps to help maintain a no-show rate below 5%, including sending no-show cards as needed.
- Support efficient use of provider and staff time by maintaining patient flow and stocking operatories daily with supplies, equipment, documents, and forms.
- Remove outdated materials, maintain a clean and pleasant environment, and inform the supervisor when supplies are low or unavailable.
- Relay provider-directed treatment information, instructions, directions, and consent information to patients or their parents or guardians; provide oral hygiene instruction and communicate treatment plans and fees accurately.
- Use provider downtime constructively for tasks such as cleaning instruments, organizing, and assisting other team members.
- Maintain clean, safe, and hygienic work areas and follow applicable policies for workstations, examination rooms, hand washing, and infection prevention and control.
- Demonstrate proficiency with compliance and reporting requirements related to Joint Commission Certification standards.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
