Dental Assistant

Central Neighborhood Hlth Fdn•Los Angeles, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Central Neighborhood Health Foundation is a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) committed to the Triple Aim as described by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Improving the US health care system requires simultaneous pursuit of three aims: 1) improving the experience of care, 2) improving the health of populations, and 3) reducing per capita costs of health care. Preconditions for this include the enrollment of an identified population, a commitment to universality for its members, and the existence of an organization (an "integrator") that accepts responsibility for all three aims for that population. A full time, non-exempt position responsible for assisting the dentist (s) and dental hygienist(s) in direct provision of primary care dental services to patients and of the center. The RDA/DA is responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. RDA/DA works on behalf of the patient and the dentist, helping to assure a high level of professional excellence in oral health care delivery.

Requirements

Writing skills
Reporting skills
Supply management
Scheduling
Computer and office skills
Organization
Time management
Verbal communications
High School Diploma or GED
CPR certification
On the job training or Certification in Dental Assisting
Current California RDA license
Ability to perform detailed work according to established formats and protocols
Maintains patient, employee, and Foundation confidentiality at all times, discussing patient or employee business only with appropriate parties who have a bona fide need to know; and communicating only the minimum amount of information necessary with respect to protected health information (PHI) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in a clinical setting preferred
Fluent in: Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Assists in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consistent with accepted standards of care for dental assistants
Prepares each operatory and patient for treatment
Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology
Provides active chair side assistance to the Dentist and anticipates the provider’s needs
At the conclusion of patient care, assists the patient, clears the work site and prepares for the next patient
Monitors the flow of laboratory cases
Monitors and records sterilization cycles
Maintains and inventories supplies
Helps to manage patient flow in clinic
Follows proper infection control protocols for the practice
Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment; prepares the operatory for the patient visit
Seats patient in chair and explains procedures to be performed; Collects and records patient health histories
Drapes patient with protective linens and sets up instrument tray containing instruments, suction, gauze and other required supplies
Prepares dental materials—cements, amalgams, composites, impression materials, etc.
Takes and prepares radiographs using conventional or digital technology and following proper radiation safety precautions
Assists with dental charting as appropriate
Assists in the prevention and management of dental emergencies
Manages the patient during dental procedures
Provides active chair side assistance; transfers instruments as appropriate for four-handed dentistry; anticipates the dentist’s needs
Takes impressions for study casts, athletic mouth guards and custom tray. Performs laboratory procedures neatly and efficiently. Pours models with no bubbles, properly trim models, and polish dental prosthesis
At the conclusion of the procedure, assists patient, clears work site of instruments and other materials; follows proper infection control protocols and prepares the operatory for the next patient
Monitors and documents the flow of laboratory cases; maintains lab facility
Performs, monitors and records all sterilization activities
Maintains proper aseptic techniques necessary with dental equipment; maintains and properly sterilizes instruments
Routinely cleans, disinfects and restocks operatory
Scans reception room for patients and helps to manage patient flow
Maintains and inventories dental supplies and reorders as necessary; tracks and verifies invoices
Cleans and sterilizes all instruments; helps to manage the dental office infection control plan to meet OSHA, CDC and ADA standards
Performs miscellaneous duties within the Dental Program as assigned
Polish the patient’s teeth to remove stains and soft deposits
Apply topical fluoride and varnishes
Apply pit and fissure sealants
Remove surgical sutures
Adapt temporary crowns
Place topical medications
Remove excess cement from fabricated restoration and orthodontic bands