Dental Assistant

Suncoast Community Health Centers Inc.•Ruskin, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant will assist the dentist during examinations and procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety. This role involves sterilizing instruments, managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and insurance tasks. The Dental Assistant will also maintain a clean work environment, adapt to various practice roles including front office duties and dental radiographs, and collaborate with the dental team for efficient workflow and patient care. Travel to different practice locations may be required to provide staffing support. Responsibilities include providing chairside assistance in four-handed dentistry, exposing and developing dental radiographs, performing cleaning and sterilization of instruments, and maintaining dental equipment and treatment areas. The role also involves conducting inventory of supplies, ensuring the safe operation of equipment through preventative maintenance, and carrying out associated laboratory procedures like pouring and trimming models and fabricating custom trays. Adherence to SCHC policies, including OSHA standards, HIPAA compliance, and proper PPE use, is mandatory. Additional tasks to support the centers will be performed as needed.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Ability to use office equipment, including computers, copy machines, fax machines, telephones, calculators, and more.
Proficient in dental procedures, terminology, and use of dental instruments.
Strong knowledge of infection control protocols and sterilization techniques.
Familiarity with dental software for managing patient records and scheduling.
Excellent organizational skills for maintaining an efficient workspace and inventory management.
Ability to take dental radiographs and perform related tasks.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and related software.
BLS is required within three months of hire.
Ability to stand for extended periods while assisting during dental procedures and moving around the dental office.
Strong hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to handle dental instruments and perform precise tasks, such as taking impressions and applying sealants.
Ability to lift and carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, including dental materials and patient-related items.
Ability to bend, stoop, and squat to assist with patient care and to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Must be able to travel to various center locations as required.

Nice To Haves

Dental Assistant Diploma from an accredited dental assisting program is preferred.
At least two years related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the dentist during examinations and procedures by preparing instruments, materials, and patients as necessary.
Ensure patient comfort and safety during treatments, providing clear instructions and addressing any concerns.
Sterilize and maintain dental instruments and equipment according to infection control protocols.
Manage patient records, schedule appointments, and handle billing and insurance tasks as needed.
Maintain a clean and organized work environment, ensuring supplies and materials are well-stocked.
Adapt to various roles within the dental practice, including front office duties and assisting with dental radiographs.
Collaborate with dentists, hygienists, and administrative staff to facilitate efficient workflow and patient care.
Travel to different practice locations as required to provide staffing support.
Provide chairside assistance in four-handed dentistry.
Expose and develop dental radiographs.
Perform cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments and maintenance of dental equipment and treatment areas.
Conduct inventory of supplies and ensure the safe operation of equipment through preventative maintenance.
Carry out associated laboratory procedures, such as pouring and trimming models and fabricating custom trays.
Adhere to SCHC policies, including OSHA standards, HIPAA compliance, and proper PPE use.
Perform additional tasks as needed to support the centers.