Job Summary:  The dental assistant assists the dentist in the practice of four-handed dentistry and in the care of dental patients.

 

Job Duties:

Assists in four-handed TEAM dentistry:Transfers instruments and supplies.Keeps the operation site clean and dry.Performs those intra-oral procedures that are reversible:Takes impressions of patient’s teeth and gums and pours impression in plaster or stone.Places and removes periodontal dressings.Exposes and develops radiographs.Perform toothbrush prophy on pediatric and handicap patients.Applies fluorides to teeth.Selects and places matrix band for interproximal restorations.Fabricates, adapts, and cements chrome/acrylic temporary crowns.Selects and places gingival retraction cord.Cements and removes space maintainer.Other duties:Prepares a schedule of daily patients in cooperation with the receptionist.Call patient and confirm dental appointments.Call and schedule specialty appointments and notify patient of day and time along with instructions.Perform daily operatory start-up and operatory shut-down procedures.Guides patient into treatment area and prepares them for examination and treatment.Charts oral findings in the mouth and teeth of patients.Sterilizes instruments.Maintain equipment and complete required documentation.Order dental supplies and maintain sufficient inventory of dental supplies.Keeps working area in constant sanitary condition.Takes medical history of patients.Prepares and packages dental prosthetic cases for shipping to outside dental laboratory.Receives and unpacks dental prosthetic cases returned from outside dental laboratory.Patient dental health education and post procedure patient instruction.Completes and submits all dental claim forms (billing forms).

 

Perform any tasks as directed by the dentist to facilitate the mission of Valley Health Systems and to meet the needs of our patient population.Assist in care coordination which may include obtaining test and referral results and communication with various entities including but not limited to community organizations, health plans, facilities and specialists. Proactively address needs of the patients and families through the concept of population management. Effectively communicates with all patients with specific attention to the vulnerable patient population. Provide self management support in the form of patient coaching and motivational interviewing when appropriate.Acknowledges the importance of a team approach when providing patient care. Communicates and coordinates effectively when providing patient care. Actively participates in the medical home care team which is comprised of clinical and non-clinical working together towards a common goal: delivering quality care to our patients.Maintain compliance with the organization’s confidentiality policy in accordance to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:  

Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.Dental Assisting Certification preferred