Dental Assistant

Overview

I. BASIC FUNCTION: Maintains the overall physical operation of the clinical area and assists the Dentist(s) in the delivery of dental care services.

Description Maintains the overall physical operation of the clinical area and assists the Dentist(s) in the delivery of dental care services. All employees of FCHC must ensure service standards are delivered, including:

• Demonstrates a commitment to FCHC mission and vision.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards patients, employees, role, and the health center.
• Demonstrates FCHC core values (accountability, courtesy, excellence, flexibility, integrity, respect).

• Smiles and makes appropriate contact, greets individuals upon entry into building and space.
• Is customer service oriented to both internal (colleagues) and external (patients, clients, vendors, etc.).
• Treats patients, customers and colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Provides timely response to requests, tasks, and inquiries. Demonstrates good service turnaround.
• Demonstrates good communication skills and communicates in a tactful manner.
• Exhibits conflict resolution skills in order to foster effective working relationships and embraces a team approach.
• Adheres to FCHC’s dress code policies. Employee appearance and grooming appropriate.

• Consistently shows commitment to position and team performance (i.e., attendance and punctuality).
• Considers and accepts cultural differences of others; works well with individuals of diverse backgrounds, supporting a culture of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Participates in training and professional development and completes required trainings in a timely manner.

• Adheres to and promotes a culture of safety and cleanliness.
• Adheres to HIPAA/Confidentiality standards.
• Respectful of FCHC property, properly and safely uses Health Center Equipment.

Department Officer:
Chief Dental Officer or Interim Chief Dental Officer

Reports to:

Chief Dental Officer or Interim Chief Dental Officer and/or Associate Dental Director

Supervises:
None

DEPARTMENT: DENTAL SERVICES

JOB TITLE: DENTAL ASSISTANT

• Maintains the physical condition of the clinical area and the dental equipment and instruments used.
• Coordinates patient flow with the receptionist and the dental provider(s).
• Performs procedures such as x-ray exposure, fluoride therapy, patient study and working models, etc.
• Prepares patients for general and specific examinations in accordance with Center protocols.
• Maintains the inventory and proper sterilization of all instruments and supplies, excluding medicines, and prepares rooms daily.
• Assists dental provider(s) in treatments, diagnostic exams and surgical interventions.
• Coordinates preparation of outgoing lab work and notifications of patients for follow-up.
• Coordinates patient recall system.
• Maintains records and statistical data as assigned.
• Uses four-handed dental technique.
• Performs blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration taking skills for workup and monitoring of patients (vital signs).
• Knowledge of and proper handling and mixing of dental materials and cements.
• Maintains Universal Precautions.
• Computer use and knowledge.
• Maintains CPR Certification, continuing education requirements.

• Participates in Health Center staff problem solving groups.
• Attends and participates in department meetings, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Inside Health Center:
All inclusive.

Outside Health Center:
Patients/Clients, students, vendors, community health agencies, and visitors, etc.

• High School diploma or G.E.D. certificate required.
• Completion of accredited Dental Assistant Program and/or 2-3 years of successful work experience as a Dental Assistant required.

As required by certification.