Dental Assistant

METRO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

To provide quality dental care and associated services to patients by assisting dentists, dental hygienists, and other staff in a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. Contribute to the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients and patient information, including the taking and processing of x-rays.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of a dental assistant program as may be required by the state of Pennsylvania.
Current Radiation Safety Certificate and/or successful completion of a radiation safety course.
Current CPR Certification.
Demonstrated success with clear thinking and ability to reorganize as needed.
Demonstrated success in working independently, prioritization and problem solving.
Demonstrated success in organization abilities.
Demonstrated success in computer skills including ability to use computer for scheduling, dental records and digital x-rays.
Demonstrated success in customer service/patient services or working with the general public, preferably in a medical care facility.
Demonstrated success in managing difficult customer/patient situations.
Knowledge of dental practices and procedures.
Demonstrated success and experience with direct patient services including the proper knowledge and use of dental devices and equipment.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able to speak and read and write the English Language.
Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling).
Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
Normal accessibility and mobility throughout the region required.
Category I: Job classification includes ALL employees who have occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (blood or body fluids) while performing their job duties.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Office Practice or enrollment in such a program is desired.

Responsibilities

Ensures all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with the care and compassion expected.
Improves the oral health of patients through providing proper education, as well as the delivery of quality services.
Enhances the efficiency of the clinic by performing expanded duties as allowable by law and as directed by the dentist.
Ensures all patient records and related documentation are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulations and requirements.
Ensures all patient services and billing information is collected and submitted timely and accurately.
Provides direct patient care and dental services as trained and assigned.
Assesses dental conditions and needs of patient using approved patient screening procedures, including medical history review, dental charting, and periodontal charting.
Assists the Dentist/Hygienist chair side by organizing and preparing instruments for use.
Assists the Dentist/Hygienist chair side throughout the dental procedure(s) as necessary.
Completes all necessary radiographs and oral camera pictures.
Documents dental/medical history, the chief complaint, and all necessary diagnostic data in the patient chart.
Documents referrals to specialists and helps ensure follow up on results.
Assists with or initiates emergency measures for sudden adverse developments during treatment of patients.
Responsible for making impressions for bleaching trays, study models, etc. when requested.
Performs Blood Pressure Monitoring at each appointment.
Performs HBA1C point of care testing for diabetic patients when indicated.
Helps patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment.
Educates patients in oral hygiene and dental care, including proper tooth brushing, flossing, nutrition and need for professional care.
Responsible for preparing and maintaining dental instruments, materials and equipment.
Demonstrates commitment to the mission of the organization in promoting dental health.
Interacts positively with a diverse, sometimes difficult, and demanding patient population.
Provides service in a manner that is appropriate for the patient’s age; demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient’s physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs.
Completes and maintains patient records and related administrative documentation.
Utilizes the requisite tools, systems, technology and equipment in the collection of patient data, records management and collections.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of dentistry procedures, clinic infection control procedures, cleaning and sterilization of instruments, tray setups and materials.
Responsible for the orderly appearance of the dental/hygiene operatories.
Ensures that adequate quantities of supplies are always on hand.
Responsible for proper maintenance of dental operatories each day.
In cooperation with the Patient Access Specialists, maintain and fill an efficient and effective Dental Schedule.
Expected to steward an integrated practice methodology within a primary care setting.
Carries out other duties as assigned within the realm of the hygiene profession.
Provides dental care in a Mobile Dental Clinic Setting when needed (may be up to 100% of the job based on demand).
Collaborates with schools, community centers, non profit organizations and other institutions to provide access to dental care in underserved areas or in situations where patients are unable to visit a traditional dental office.
Travels when necessary to fulfill Metro Community Health Center’s needs adapting to different settings and situations each day.
Assists in providing Dental Health Education to the community as requested in a Mobile Dental setting.