Dental Assistant - Columbia

King County•Various Locations throughout King County, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a Dental Assistant to join our vibrant & diverse team at our Columbia Public Health Dental Clinic. This role is an opportunity to gain experience in dental procedures and patient interaction in a dynamic environment; the dental assistant role combines clinical skills with interpersonal communication. This role is also a great opportunity to make a positive impact on community oral health, serve diverse populations and contribute to preventive care. King County Dental Clinics provide emergency and comprehensive dental services to an ethnically and racially diverse population of low-income children and adults, including pregnant women and homeless adults and teens. We are a trauma informed dental clinic that provides patient centered, comprehensive, and compassionate care to the most vulnerable population in our community. Our diverse and multilingual staff reflect the ethnically and racially diverse population of the clients that we serve. This recruitment will be used to create an eligibility pool to fill additional Career Service, Term-Limited Temporary (TLT), or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) vacancies that may occur over the next six months.

Requirements

Current registration as a Dental Assistant in the State of Washington.
Completion of a recognized Dental Assistant course program or equivalent experience.
Working knowledge of methods and techniques used in dental assisting.
Working knowledge of terminology, materials, equipment, and instruments used in dentistry.
Working knowledge of dental radiograph techniques and principles.
Experience working in a public health or community clinic setting
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage your own and patient schedules.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Demonstrated ability to maintain patient records in accordance with practice guidelines and applicable regulations.
Demonstrated ability to manage behavioral issues in a dental clinic setting.
Demonstrated ability to address conflict in a direct and professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds as well as the ability to work with clients for whom English is a second language.
Experience working with both in-person and telephonic or video interpreters in a clinical setting.
Proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR.
Proficiency and comfort with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
Adherence to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including mandatory trainings and required immunizations.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of and experience providing trauma-informed care
Experience with using EPIC software systems.
Applicants bilingual in English and Spanish are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Take and review patient medical and dental history and present relevant info to the Dentist.
Act as a chairside assistant for restorative, oral surgery, endodontic, hygiene and other procedures as needed.
Take diagnostic quality intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
Assist dentist with emergency procedures.
Provide child prophys.
Apply dental sealants in clinical and community settings.
Apply topical preventative agents.
Perform other duties as allowed by the Washington State Dental Practice Act 18.32.
Educate patients in oral hygiene and anticipatory guidance health behaviors.
Maintain patient flow.
Accurately document medical record information under the direction of the dentist.
Maintain operatories and dental spaces in good working order and insure compliance with OSHA/WISHA requirements.
Clean and sterilize dental instruments in accordance with State and Federal requirements.
Perform routine dental equipment maintenance (clinical and portable) and process repairs.
Maintain dental supply inventory and ordering.
Make patient reminder calls and follow up on missed appointments as needed.
Schedule appointments, greet and reassure clients.
Complete client registrations, billing, and conduct follow-up with patients as needed.
Other duties as assigned.