Dental Assistant

Assist dental providers in performing patient care to adults and children. Perform office and laboratory duties. Work with dentist and dental hygienist in the examination and treatment of patients. Ensure the comfort of patients in exam chair, prepare patients for treatment, and obtain medical records as necessary. When assigned, Greets, instructs, directs and schedules patients and visitors for the dental department. Makes and schedules patient appointments in an efficient and timely manner. Provides a variety of secretarial duties delegated by office manager and/or providers and other members of the health center team. Serves as a liaison between patient and clinical support staff.

• Checks appointment schedule and assists receptionist with dentist’s patient schedule.
• Prepares exam rooms and instruments for examination.
• Stock and keep track of dental supplies and materials needed.
• Prepare tray setups for dental procedures.
• Receive patients from waiting room.
• Triage patients as necessary.
• Prepares patients to be seen by providers such as patient intake, RMH, medication updates, etc.
• Obtains dental and or medical records for patients, as needed.
• Assists dental providers with needs during the exam and treatment of each patient
• Conduct and process X-ray film/Digital as directed by dentist.
• Take impressions and pour up model.
• Instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.
• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment in accordance to CHS sterilization policy and protocols.
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Other Key Factors:
· Knowledge of examination, diagnostic, and treatment room procedures.
· Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to maintain a safe work environment.
· Skill in assisting in a variety of treatments and medications as directed.
· Skill in maintaining records and recording tests results.
· Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public.
· Ability to maintain quality control standards.
· Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
· Skill in greeting patients and answering the telephone in a pleasant and helpful manner.
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, employees, and the public.

Other information impacting scope and complexity of position – any additional information reflecting the scope and accountabilities of the position
· Provide great customer service to patients.

· Function as a team player to ensure the efficient, timely and appropriate operation of all areas and performs related work as required.

· Greets patients and visitors in a prompt, courteous, and helpful manner.

· Ability to consistently maintain strictest confidentiality, in accordance with CHS’s policies and procedures.
· Knowledge of health center procedures.
· Knowledge of examination, diagnostic, and treatment room procedures.
· Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to maintain a safe work environment.

Minimum educational qualifications and experience required:
· Graduate of an accredited dental assistance program
· X-ray certified
· One-year experience in health care, preferably a dental office, setting.
· One- year of clinical experience
· Word processing and computer experience

Preferred knowledge/experience required beyond minimum qualifications:
· Associates Degree
· Connecticut Dental Assistant license
· Bilingual in Spanish and English