Dental Assistant

CHARTER OAK HEALTH CENTER INC•Hartford, CT

4d•$25 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant prepares patients and treatment rooms, assists the dentist with restorative dentistry and oral surgery, prepares materials and equipment, takes and processes X-rays, and assists with laboratory work. The role also supports practice operations by scheduling appointments, answering phones, ordering supplies, maintaining treatment areas and equipment, and coordinating work with the dental laboratory. The Dental Assistant gathers and records patient medical history, assists chair-side using four-handed techniques, maintains asepsis and sterilization standards, and documents examinations and other information in patient records. The position also includes compliance responsibilities, participation in required training and process improvement, and reporting and cooperating with compliance reviews and investigations.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent work experience of 2–3 years.
1–3 years of experience supporting a dental practice.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to use sound judgment.
Calm disposition and ability to work easily with people.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

Responsibilities

Set up the treatment room, greet and seat patients, and prepare them for treatment.
Obtain patients’ past and present medical histories and record accurate information in dental records.
Assist the dentist chair-side by transferring instruments and using sit-down, four-handed techniques.
Sterilize dental equipment and instruments according to sterilization protocols and OSHA guidelines, and maintain asepsis control in the office.
Record the doctor’s examination.
Take clear, detailed X-rays, process and mount them, and place them in patient charts.
Take primary impressions and pour models.
Check inventory weekly and assist with ordering supplies.
Mix cements, filling materials, and impression materials.
Maintain supplies and towels in treatment rooms; regularly clean and maintain suction units and autoclaves.
Perform daily biological spore testing.
Coordinate work with the dental laboratory and send notification cards when cases are ready for try-in or delivery.
Promote efficiency, professionalism, and teamwork.
Maintain clean dental areas, including the laboratory; clean cabinets and drawers and rearrange supplies as needed.
Check chart entries daily for accuracy.
Call patients who received extensive treatment to ask about their status, discuss findings with the doctor, and document them in the record.
Perform other related or miscellaneous duties as required by management, including appointments, phone answering, and supply ordering.
Maintain appropriate attendance.
Comply with applicable legal requirements, standards, policies, and procedures, including the Compliance Process, Code of Conduct, HIPAA, and Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA).
Participate in required orientation and training programs.
Report concerns and suspected non-compliance through the COHC Compliance Reporting Process.
Cooperate with monitoring, audits, and investigations.
Participate in process improvement responsibilities when requested.