Dental Assistant - Grant - Adult Dental
About The Position
The Dental Assistant supports providers in delivering dental care to patients by performing procedures allowed under Arizona State Dental Laws and other duties authorized by providers and supervisors. The role supports El Rio Health’s mission to provide comprehensive, quality health care that is affordable and accessible to people with health care needs. The Dental Assistant assists dentists and hygienists with patient care, prepares patients and treatment areas, maintains and sterilizes instruments, records treatment and charges, supports patient flow, and communicates treatment information under provider direction. The role also contributes to a safe, clean, hygienic, and organized clinic environment; follows applicable policies and procedures, including HIPAA, OSHA, and Joint Commission requirements; and may work across qualified clinic areas as needed. The position is scheduled Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Salary is $17.57–$26.35, depending on qualifications.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Certificate of completion from an accredited Dental Assistant Program and/or at least 3 years of chairside dental assisting experience.
- Current Arizona Board-approved radiology certificate.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for health care providers.
- Current, valid Level I fingerprint clearance card in good standing, or application for the card within seven working days after beginning employment; El Rio Health also requires employees to submit the card or fingerprint receipt before the hire or transfer date, with the Level One Non-IVP card received within 30 days after that date.
- Reliable transportation capable of meeting organizational operational reassignments during the workday.
- If driving during work hours, a valid driver’s license and compliance with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements.
- Ability to meet the role’s essential functions, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.
- Employees must undergo pre-employment drug testing and may be subject to post-accident, reasonable-suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing; positions responsible for others’ safety and welfare are classified as safety sensitive.
Nice To Haves
- One year of work experience as a Dental Assistant.
- Bilingual English/Spanish ability, including speaking, reading, and writing in both languages.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the job’s functions and responsibilities may be considered, if applicable.
Responsibilities
- Assist dentists and hygienists in patient care by passing instruments, placing rubber dams, using air and water syringes and high-speed evacuation, taking preliminary impressions, and pouring and trimming models.
- Assist providers with dental and medical emergencies using authorized procedures, including CPR, Universal Precautions, and OSHA guidelines.
- Record treatment and progress notes, 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 getting them ready for providers at their appointment time.
- Keep operatories, the dental lab, sterilization areas, and other work areas clean and organized; clean, store, and maintain dental instruments, handpieces, and sterilization units.
- Prepare, maintain, wash, and sterilize dental trays and instruments according to clinic procedures and protocols.
- Work proficiently with providers and team members to support workflow, including helping cover for absent team members and taking a leadership role in patient flow when assigned on a rotational basis.
- Work flexibly in all qualified clinic areas and perform other duties as required.
- Comply with policies and procedures, including those concerning HIPAA and compliance.
- Maintain a safe work environment, promptly address and report safety issues or hazards, follow health and safety policies, and participate in safety programs, which may include assignment to an emergency response team.
- Use time-management skills and work effectively with team members to meet expected productivity levels.
- Capture correct charges, confirm scheduled appointments, seat scheduled patients, walk-ins, and emergency patients, take measures to support a no-show rate below 5%, and send no-show cards as needed.
- Support smooth patient flow and effective use of provider and support staff time; stock operatories daily with supplies, equipment, documents, and forms.
- Remove outdated materials, keep the work environment clean, orderly, and pleasant, and inform the supervisor when items are out of stock or running low.
- Relay treatment information, instructions, directions, and 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 for tasks such as cleaning instruments, organizing, and assisting partners or other team members.
- Maintain clean, safe, and hygienic work areas and follow applicable policies and procedures for workstations, examination rooms, handwashing, and infection prevention and control.
- Demonstrate understanding of and proficiency with compliance and reporting requirements related to Joint Commission Certification standards.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
