Dental Assistant - Grant - Adult Dental

El Rio Community Health Center•Tucson, AZ

8d•$18 - $26

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports dental care by assisting providers in delivering care to patients, performing procedures allowable under Arizona State Dental Laws and other duties authorized by providers and supervisors. The position supports El Rio Health’s mission to provide comprehensive, quality, affordable, and accessible health care. The Dental Assistant assists dentists and hygienists with patient care and treatment preparation, maintains accurate treatment records and charges, supports patient flow, and keeps clinical work areas and instruments clean, organized, and safe. The role also includes patient communication and oral hygiene instruction as directed by providers, compliance with applicable policies and regulatory standards, and flexibility to work in qualified clinic areas as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D.).
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 certificate in radiology.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for health care providers.
Level I fingerprint clearance card in good standing, or application for the card within seven working days after beginning employment; the posting also states that a Level One Non-IVP card must be received within 30 days after hire or transfer.
Reliable transportation capable of accommodating organizational operational reassignments during the workday.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements if driving during work hours.
Undergo pre-employment drug testing and applicable post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing.
All employees are strongly recommended to obtain and maintain vaccination status, including influenza vaccination, subject to legal exemptions and accommodations.

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.

Responsibilities

Assist dentists and hygienists in patient care by passing instruments, placing rubber dams, using air-water syringes and high-speed evacuation systems, taking preliminary impressions, and pouring and trimming models.
Support providers in managing dental and medical emergencies through authorized procedures, including CPR, and follow Universal Precautions and OSHA guidelines.
Record treatment and progress notes accurately, code service 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 the appointed time.
Maintain clean, safe, and organized operatories, dental lab, sterilization areas, and other work areas; 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 covering for absent team members and performing other duties as needed in qualified clinic areas.
Assist with patient flow and take a leadership role when assigned on a rotational basis.
Comply with organizational policies and procedures, including those addressing HIPAA, compliance, and Joint Commission Certification standards.
Promote workplace safety, address and report hazards, follow Health and Safety Policies and Procedures, and participate in safety programs, potentially including an emergency response team.
Use time-management skills to contribute to expected productivity and collaborate effectively with team members.
Capture correct charges, confirm scheduled appointments, and take initiative to 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; stock operatories daily with adequate supplies, equipment, documents, and forms; remove outdated materials and notify the supervisor when items are low or out.
Relay treatment information, instructions, directions, or consent information to patients, parents, or guardians at the direction of dentists and hygienists; provide oral hygiene instruction and communicate treatment plans and fees accurately.
Use provider downtime constructively by cleaning instruments, organizing, or assisting partners and other team members.
Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic work environment, including work areas, workstations, examination rooms, handwashing, and infection prevention and control.