Dental Assistant - Southwest - Dental Pediatric Residency

El Rio Community Health Center•Tucson, AZ

7d•$18 - $26

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports dental care by assisting providers in delivering care to patients, performing procedures permitted by Arizona State Dental Laws and other duties authorized by providers and supervisors. The role supports El Rio Health’s mission to provide comprehensive, quality health care that is affordable and accessible to people with health care needs. The Dental Assistant assists dentists and hygienists with patient care, prepares patients and treatment areas, maintains instruments and equipment, records treatment and charges, and supports patient flow. The position also provides patient and caregiver information at the direction of dentists and hygienists, helps maintain a safe and hygienic work environment, and adapts assignments across qualified clinic areas as needed.

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.
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 apply for one within seven working days after beginning employment; the Level One Non-IVP card must be received within 30 days after hire or transfer.
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.
Ability to perform the essential functions, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.
Employees must undergo pre-employment drug testing and may be subject to post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in accordance with applicable regulations.

Nice To Haves

One year of work experience as a Dental Assistant.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills, including the ability to speak, read, and write in both languages.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if directly related to the job’s functions and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Assist dentists and hygienists with patient care, including passing instruments, placing rubber dams, using air and water syringes and high-speed evacuation, taking preliminary impressions, and pouring and trimming models.
Help providers manage dental and medical emergencies using authorized procedures, CPR, Universal Precautions, and OSHA guidelines.
Record treatment and progress notes accurately, code charges, and prepare treatment plans in dental charts and computer systems according to policy and procedures.
Prepare patients for treatment by taking and recording blood pressure, seating patients, and preparing them for providers at their appointed times.
Keep operatories, the dental lab, sterilization areas, and other work areas clean and organized; clean, store, and maintain dental instruments, handpieces, and sterilization units.
Prepare and maintain dental trays and instruments and wash and sterilize instruments according to clinic procedures and protocols.
Work effectively with providers and team members to maintain workflow, including taking a leadership role in patient flow when assigned on a rotational basis.
Work flexibly in qualified clinic areas and perform other duties as needed.
Comply with policies and procedures, including HIPAA and compliance requirements.
Maintain a safe work environment, promptly address and report safety issues or hazards, follow health and safety procedures, and participate in safety programs, which may include assignment to an emergency response team.
Manage time and work collaboratively to contribute to expected productivity.
Capture correct charges, confirm appointments, seat scheduled patients, walk-ins, and emergency patients, and take measures to support a no-show rate below 5%, including sending no-show cards as needed.
Direct and maintain smooth patient flow; stock operatories daily with supplies, equipment, documents, and forms; monitor and report low or unavailable items; and remove outdated materials.
Provide treatment information, instructions, directions, and consent information to patients, parents, or guardians 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 colleagues.
Maintain clean, safe, and hygienic work areas and comply with policies and procedures for workstations, examination rooms, handwashing, infection prevention, and control.
Demonstrate proficiency with compliance and reporting requirements applicable to Joint Commission Certification standards.