Dental Assistant

Heartland Community Health Center – Lawrence, KS•Lawrence, KS

55d•$18 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

To deliver a full range of oral hygiene services and education to Heartland Health Center patient panel. Dental Assistant reports directly to Lead Dental Assistant. In compliance with Kansas Dental Board, under direct supervision of staff dentist when LDA is not present.

Requirements

Knowledge of HIPAA privacy rules and regulations
Enthusiasm for working as a member of a team in a rapidly changing environment
Willingness to educate patients and the community in oral healthcare and the role of the dental care team
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize them to provide appropriate, efficient, and quality patient care
Excellent customer service skills and ability to interact with unsatisfied patients and coworkers effectively and respectfully
Ability to work well with children, elderly, and special needs patients
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to anticipate and react calmly in emergency situations
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, coworkers, and the public
Ability to evaluate statistics and data and make appropriate recommendations
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to accurately document procedures in electronic record
Must be able to document in a neat, legible manner and be able to spell dental terminology correctly and use proficient grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Ability to follow written policies and procedures
Effective and efficient time management
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to work independently and use good judgment
Able to communicate with others to effectively convey information
Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Knowledge of standard office machines including copier, fax, multi-line phones, printers, scanners, etc.
BLS Certification
High school diploma or equivalent is required
Any combination of education and work experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying
Must have and maintain CPR certification
Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse participant and employee base
High energy, positive, ability to work autonomously, flexibility, teamwork, attention to detail, and high degree of initiative
Agrees to uphold Heartland’s guiding values of Compassion, Respect, Collaboration, and Integrity
Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job
Performs assigned clinic housekeeping
Disinfects operatories and patient seating between patients
Always observes universal precautions
Arrives to work on time
Attire is clean and neat.
Maintains good personal hygiene
Driving and maintaining company vehicle

Nice To Haves

Spanish Bilingual preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Check patients in for dental visits: perform needed x-rays, obtain vital signs (i.e. electric and manual blood pressure), perform needed blood glucose monitoring, set up instruments for procedures/examinations, assure all forms are completed for procedures, review health history and transfer information to the clinical note completely and accurately.
Assist dentists and/or dental hygienists in daily clinical and operational activities including but not limited to: use four-handed practices at chair side, provide proper instruments during procedure to the dentist, make chart entries under the direction of the dentist or dental hygienist, record all findings and treatment plans completely and accurately in the patient’s chart, actively participate in keeping the provider on schedule.
Prepare patients for procedures and ensure that appropriate instructions and equipment are arranged and ready.
Maintain a clean oral working area prior to, during and post exams/procedures.
Promote an atmosphere of good dental and general health by demonstrating good personal oral hygiene.
Educate patients on techniques of flossing, brushing, overall oral health, and the role of the dental care team.
Clean and sterilize instruments appropriately.
Follows infection control protocols and standard operating procedures.
Complete required daily, monthly, and annual equipment maintenance.
Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Lab duties include pour and trim models and fabricating trays.
Remove the biohazard trash as needed.
Answer patient inquiries related to pain and/or medications.
Perform all duties in accordance with OSHA regulations.
Is attentive to patient and provider needs including dentist and dental hygienist.
Attend meetings as required (Joint Staff, Department, etc.).
Completes assigned trainings in timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.