Dental Assistant ( Birmingham) Job Opening

Dental Assistant
Position Description

Reports to: Dental Hygienist/ Office Manager

Position Summary
Supports dental care delivery by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments and materials; passing instruments and materials; performs procedures in compliance with the dental practice act

Required Skills/Abilities or Licensure

• Requires the ability to organize and set priorities to accomplish goals in a timely manner
• Requires computer proficiency in Dentrix software
• Training in instrument sterilization procedures
• Training in nitrous oxide safety procesures
• Requires Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact and promote exceptional service to our patients, families, physicians, fellow employees and volunteers by displaying attitudes and behaviors that reflect compassion, respect and dignity to everyone we serve
• A team-player with demonstrated dedication to excellence. Personal integrity manifested in a positive and credible image.
• Excellent communication skills
• Established comfort working with diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Excellent chair-side manner
• Clarity and accuracy of writing and verbal presentation and interpersonal communication skills
• Detail oriented. Effective organization skills. Meets timetable. Successful working in a fast paced situation and is self-directed with minimal supervision
• Up to date knowledge of regulations, methods, trends and equipment
• Desire to expand knowledge from both a clinical and administrative perspective including management and leadership skills
• US citizen or permanent immigration status

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares treatment room for patients by adhering to prescribed procedures and protocol
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating and draping patients
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and request
• Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instrument to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist’s access; suctioning; passing instruments
• Administer nitrous oxide
• Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient’s mouth
• Provides diagnostic information by exposing and developing radiographic studies; pouring, trimming and polishing study casts
• Maintains patient appearance and ability to masticate by fabricating temporary restorations; cleaning and polishing removable appliances
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply and directory of emergency numbers
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions and postoperative instructions
• Books the patients recall appointment or other appointments as directed by the dentist before they are dismissed from the appointment
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• On a regular basis will do housekeeping duties; such as cleaning of cupboards drawers and general areas to maintain a clean environment
• Ensure operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturers instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; unpacking and storage of supplies
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• May be required at the direction of the Dentist to record patient-dentist/dental hygiene transactions as they occur in the patient’s dental record so that the dental record accurately and completely reflects the nature of the visit, the condition of the patient and the care of treatment provided
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential
• Assists in the provision of continuing education, on-the-job training, and the orientation of community health center staff as requested
• Assists in the coordination and integration of the Cahaba Medical Dental Center’s dental programs and services with other corporate programs and services for the welfare of the Cahaba Medical Dental Center patients
• Adheres to treatment, philosophy and policies as interpreted by the Cahaba Medical Center Board and Executive Director and develops and operates services accordingly
• Represents Cahaba Medical Dental Center at community meetings and events, as requested
• Works with staff, patients, UAB liaison, other non-profit directors and others in a professional, cooperative, ethical, respectful and effective manner
• Complies with Cahaba Medical Dental Center policies regarding safety
• Dispatch lab work appropriately and follow-up with lab to assure timely delivery of cases

Physical/Mental Demands

• Work requires the ability to carry and lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds
• Work requires ability to sit +/-90% of the time
• Work requires ability to stoop and bend, to reach, and grab with arms and hands; manual dexterity and to communicate with others
• Work requires proofreading and checking documents for accuracy
• Work requires ability to use a keyboard and visualize a computer monitor to enter words or data