Dental Assistant

Duties/Responsibilities

• Open and close the dental clinic each working day, ensuring readiness and security.
• Prepare patients for appointments by ensuring their comfort and educating them on dental procedures and oral hygiene practices.
• Obtains patients medical and medication history
• Take and monitors patients vital signs
• Assist the dentist and hygienists during chair-side procedures by handing instruments, suctioning, applying topical anesthetics, and supporting patient care.
• Take dental x-rays under the direction and supervision of a licensed dentist with required certification per state law and regulation.
• Prepare, set up, and organize instruments, materials, and equipment needed for procedures.
• Sterilize instruments and perform routine cleaning and maintenance of dental equipment and work areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional clinical environment.
• Provide oral hygiene instructions and support patients in plaque control programs.
• Assist with scheduling appointments and accurately updating patient records.
• Assist in processing patient encounters and documentation.
• Recognize and communicate related medical or social concerns as appropriate.
• Assist in managing inventory, including tracking supplies and maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Support the training and onboarding of new Dental Assistants.
• Other duties as assigned.

Below are the primary duties and essential functions of an employee in this position. While not all tasks may be performed by every employee in this role, all employees are expected to perform related tasks as needed. These essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Demonstrates commitment to and practices in line with Bowen Health’s core values of respect, integrity, mission and stewardship.
• Strong knowledge of dental treatments, instruments, materials, terminology, and infection control practices.
• Proficient in chair-side assisting, dental x-rays (intraoral, bitewing, panoramic), sterilization procedures, and preparing treatment rooms.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate patient charts, records, and reports.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to educate patients and collaborate effectively with dentists, hygienists, and coworkers.
• Demonstrates professionalism, teamwork, and sensitivity to the needs of low-income and ethnically diverse patient populations.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail; able to manage multiple tasks and assist with inventory control.
• Ability to recognize and proactively address clinical and administrative issues.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing patient needs, schedules, and clinic priorities.
• Proficient with basic computer systems and dental electronic health records (EHR) software.

• Occupational Exposure Risk Classification:
  The normal work routine involves frequent exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.
• The normal work routine has a moderate ergonomic risk for repetitive motion impairment.
• The position may require a moderate amount of physical exertion (bending, lifting, twisting) in the work area.

• Education:
  
  High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience:
  
  Prefer at least one year of experience in dental office providing polishing, administering nitrous oxide, and fluoride application.
• Certificate or Professional License:
  Graduation from a school in dental assisting preferred.
• Radiographic license is required if operating dental x-ray equipment.
• Satisfactory results from criminal and driving record background checks.

Bowen Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace. We comply with all applicable laws, including the ADA and OSHA regulations, and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Safety is a priority for all employees. Bowen Health prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected statuses.

Bowen Health is dedicated to creating opportunities for all employees to thrive and support our mission of compassionate care.