Dental Assistant/EDDA

Summary

This position is a fulltime, non-exempt role responsible for assisting the Dentist(s) and Dental Hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.

Job Responsibilities

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering questions, and giving directions as authorized by the dentist.
• Chair-side assisting abilities, including four-handed dentistry capability in administration of treatment.
• Prepare operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and dentist's specific instructions, including greeting patients and escorting to the operatory.
• Expose and develop radiographs, knowledge of radiograph software.
• Compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols relative to Infection Control, Exposure Control and Safety Issues.
• Maintenance of dental equipment, supplies, clinical area, and thorough knowledge of dental charting software.
• Place and receive necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care.
• Assist with various clinical and administrative functions of the center, including appropriate utilization of teamwork.
• Ensure sterility of all re-usable dental instruments in accordance with protocols, including necessary documentation.
• Ensure proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment and universal precautions and maintain a sterile and neat working environment.
• Attendance to work, processing patients in a timely manner, and can perform job duties with minimal supervision.
• Supply ordering and inventory record keeping.
• Reports to work on time and is ready to work in designated work area.
• Review daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments.
• Works effectively with all disciplines and corrective criticism from supervisors.
• Desire to learn more or further one's dental knowledge.

Mission and Customer Service

• Demonstrate the Mission and acts in ways that advance the best interest of the customers entrusted to our care. Positively represents SWLA Center for Health Services (SWLA) in the workplace and the community.
• Present a professional image: apparel and appearance are appropriate according to SWLA department dress code.
• Demonstrate effective communication and listens attentively to the customer and promptly acts upon requests with consideration for patient privacy. Keep the customer informed about their care and treatment in a comfortable atmosphere.
• Respect the gifts and talents (the diversity that co-workers bring to their jobs) of each other. Demonstrates effective communication and assists co-workers as necessary.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the customers we serve, our physicians, co-workers and the community.
• Practices safe work habits and maintain a safe environment for self, co-workers, patients, and visitors.
• Work collaboratively to solve problems, improve processes, and develop services. Acts as an advocate for our customers.
• Complies with organization/department policies and procedures, including but not limited to confidentiality, safety, cooperation/flexibility and attendance.
• Understands and complies with applicable federal/state laws and Standards of Conduct as related to assigned job duties.
• Participates in departmental or organizational quality. Continuous performance improvement activity.