Dental Assistant

OMNI FAMILY HEALTH•Bakersfield, CA

16d•$23 - $26

About The Position

The Dental Assistant prepares patients for treatment and assists the dentist with restorative dentistry and oral surgery. The role includes preparing treatment materials, equipment, trays, and instruments; taking X-rays; assisting with laboratory work; and supporting patients throughout their dental visits. Other duties may include scheduling appointments, answering phones, ordering supplies, and dental billing. The Dental Assistant helps promote oral and general health through patient education, maintains a sterile and orderly work environment, reviews health histories and completes chart entries under the operator’s direction, stocks operatories, maintains clinical supply inventory, and supports preventive maintenance of dental equipment. The position also serves as a supply liaison with purchasing and vendors and may assist with front-office procedures as needed. The role requires compliance with HIPAA and applicable regulations, participation in quality assurance and improvement activities, and learning and using the organization’s electronic health record and practice systems. Employees also participate in the Patient Centered Health Home Model. The employee may be required to work at other National Health Service, Inc. locations and work weekends if needed.

Requirements

Friendly personality and desire to work with the public.
Ability and willingness to treat all patients with kindness and consideration, including in trying situations.
Ability to handle multiple functions and complete tasks in an orderly and accurate manner.
Understanding of community-based organizations and willingness to participate in community events such as health fairs.
Support for and belief in the NHSI mission statement, “Health for All.”
Ability to relate to the public regardless of ethnic, religious, or economic status.
Willingness to work at locations other than the assigned site and to work weekends if needed.
Sound judgment, a calm disposition, and ability to work easily with people.
High school graduate or GED.
Proof of completion of a radiation safety course.
One year of experience as a dental assistant or one year of dental assistant training.
Knowledge of dental health education subjects.
Ability to communicate in English and Spanish.
Possess an X-Ray License or obtain one within the first 90 days of employment.
Complete a one-time, board-approved eight-hour course in Infection Control and the California Dental Practice Act within the first six months of employment.
Current and valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Maintain awareness of and comply with HIPAA regulations and requirements.

Nice To Haves

Certificate for coronal polishing is recommended.

Responsibilities

Greet patients in the waiting area and escort them to the operatory.
Assist the dentist chairside with treatment as required or directed.
Promote oral and general health by demonstrating good oral hygiene, assessing patients’ home-care status, and teaching flossing and brushing techniques according to protocol.
Maintain a sterile and orderly work environment in accordance with current infection-control procedures.
Review health histories, make chart entries under the operator’s direction, and ensure forms and signatures are complete.
Assume responsibility for expanded duties delegated by the dentist.
Explain aspects of the dental visit to patients and provide support and compassion when needed.
Stock operatories and maintain clinical supply inventory.
Review the daily schedule and prepare appropriate trays and instruments.
Assist with front-office procedures when time allows or when requested by the Associate Dental Director or dentist.
Supervise preventive maintenance of dental equipment.
Serve as supply liaison and communicate with the purchasing department and vendors to ensure prompt receipt of orders.
Maintain HIPAA compliance and keep member information confidential.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Participate in QA/QI activities and contribute to organizational performance improvement.
Learn and use the Electronic Health Record and Practice Electronic System, including NextGen, PMS, QSI, and other applicable electronic features.
Participate in the Patient Centered Health Home Model.
Work at other National Health Service, Inc. locations and work weekends if needed.