Dental Assistant (Per Diem) - Manning - Float Pool

El Rio Community Health Center•Tucson, AZ

21h•$18 - $26

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports dentists and hygienists in delivering quality dental care to patients, performing procedures permitted under Arizona State Dental Laws and 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 with patient care and preparation, clinical documentation, treatment planning, charge capture, patient communication, instrument preparation and sterilization, and maintaining clean, safe, and well-stocked work areas. The position contributes to patient flow and team productivity, may take a rotational leadership role, and must be flexible to work in qualified clinic areas and support operational reassignments. The employee must comply with organizational policies, including HIPAA, OSHA, infection prevention, safety, and Joint Commission Certification requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Certificate of completion from an accredited Dental Assistant Program and/or at least 3 years of chairside dental assisting experience; an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience may be considered.
Current Arizona Board-approved radiology certificate.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for health care providers.
Current, valid Level I fingerprint clearance card in good standing, or application submitted within seven working days after beginning employment. The posting also states new hires and transfers must submit a clearance card or fingerprint receipt before their hire or transfer date, and a Level One Non-IVP card must be received within 30 days after that date.
Reliable transportation capable of meeting organizational operational reassignments during the workday.
If driving during work hours, a valid driver’s license and compliance with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements.
Compliance with required pre-employment drug testing and applicable post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience as a Dental Assistant.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability, including speaking, reading, and writing in both languages.

Responsibilities

Assist dentists and hygienists with patient care, including passing instruments, placing rubber dams, using air and water syringes and high-speed evacuation, 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 accurately, code charges, and prepare treatment plans on dental charts and in the computer according to policy and procedures.
Prepare patients for treatment by recording blood pressure, seating patients, and preparing them for the provider at the appointed time.
Keep operatories, dental lab, sterilization areas, and other work areas clean and organized; clean, store, and maintain instruments, hand pieces, and sterilization units.
Prepare and maintain dental trays and instruments and wash and sterilize instruments according to clinic procedures and protocols.
Work with providers and team members to promote smooth workflow, including supporting other team members during absences and performing other duties as needed.
Work flexibly in all qualified clinic areas and take a leadership role in patient flow when assigned on a rotational basis.
Comply with organizational policies and procedures, including HIPAA and Compliance requirements.
Promote a safe, hazard-free work environment, report safety issues or potential hazards, follow Health and Safety Policies and Procedures, and participate in safety programs, which may include assignment to an emergency response team.
Use time management and teamwork to meet expected productivity levels.
Capture correct charges, confirm appointments, seat scheduled patients, walk-ins, and emergencies, take measures to support a no-show rate below 5%, and send no-show cards as needed.
Maintain smooth patient flow and stock operatories daily with adequate supplies, equipment, documents, and forms; remove outdated materials and inform the supervisor when items are out or low.
Provide patients, parents, or guardians with information, instructions, directions, or consent information at the direction of dentists and hygienists; instruct patients and parents in oral hygiene and communicate treatment plans and fees accurately.
Use provider downtime constructively for tasks such as cleaning instruments, organizing, and assisting partners or other team members.
Maintain clean, safe, and hygienic work areas and follow requirements for workstations, examination rooms, hand washing, and infection prevention and control.
Demonstrate understanding and proficiency with compliance and reporting requirements related to Joint Commission Certification standards.