Overview
The Dental Assistant is responsible for both clinical and administrative elements of the day-to-day functioning of the agency’s dental clinic. The Dental Assistant is vital to the agency’s infection control program, through sterilization of both medical and dental instruments using CDC standards of infection control. The Dental Assistant collaborates with the rest of the dental staff to ensure the delivery of comprehensive dentistry. Key Role Responsibilities
- Assists the dental and medical clinics with sterilization and maintaining infection control standards according to CDC, OSHA and Joint Commission requirements.
- Effectively perform basic dental assisting duties according as well as, but not limited to, operatory set-up/break-down, taking radiographs, taking dental impressions, chairside assisting for all dental procedures as well as hygiene as needed.
- Considers all relevant factors (such as dental schedule, treatment plan, dental and medical history) and uses appropriate decision-making criteria to deliver dental care
- Prioritizes tasks including, but not limited to, completing lab procedures (pouring up models, sending out cases, managing lab invoices), ordering supplies, disposing of expired materials, organizing the dental clinic, and disposing of waste.
- Partners with other Dental Assistants to achieve shared objectives for smooth operation throughout the dental department; gains trust and support of colleagues by proactively taking on shared responsibilities and demonstrating proper communication.
- Helps to drive provider results by ensuring that dental providers have instruments, supplies and materials needed to achieve their goals during the appointment. Takes clinical direction from dentists and hygienist.
- Provides assistance to Fallsway as the primary site, and will be required to travel to other agency dental clinics as needed
Key Agency Responsibilities In addition to role responsibilities, each staff member of Health Care for the Homeless has the following responsibilities as a part of their employment:
- Models and reinforces the Health Care for the Homeless “core values” of dignity, authenticity, hope, justice, passion and balance
- Actively participates in performance improvement activities and actively participates in advocacy activities that support the mission of Health Care for the Homeless
- Performs other duties on an as-needed basis
- Protects our client’s personal health information by maintaining compliance with HIPAA and other relevant Health Care related IT security regulations
Knowledge, Experience, and Skills Formal Education and Training
- High School Diploma or GED and certification of completion from a state accredited Dental Assistant Program, required
- Current X-ray certification, required
- Current BLS certification, required
- Evidence of ongoing professional continuing education as required
Experience
- One year of experience in a dental setting, required
- Experience in a community health center or primary care setting, preferred
- Experience working with underserved populations, preferred
Skills
- Strong organizational skills necessary to ensure smooth operation of the dental clinic
- Excellent communication skills, including comfort with databases and systems
- Strong interpersonal skills necessary to work with disadvantaged and underserved populations and to collaborate with other medical team members, other staff members, and personnel of other agencies
- Able to maintain confidentiality surrounding all information related to clients served by the clinic
- Able to cope with interruptions, be flexible, and be a team player
- Able to work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset and sometimes hostile individuals
- Bilingual in Spanish and English strongly preferred
- Demonstrate ability to adapt by seizing new opportunities with a can-do attitude and stepping up to handle challenging situations.
Health Care for the Homeless is an equal opportunity employer.Monday - Friday8:00am - 4:00 pm 18.50 To 20.19 (USD) Hourly
