Dental Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Dental Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to dental providers. Responsibilities include four handed chairside assisting, sterilization and infection control, exposing dental radiographs, maintaining patient records, supporting patient flow, and providing patient education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintains dental equipment, operatories, and instruments in a clean, organized, and sterile manner in accordance with OSHA, CDC, NYS Department of Health, and organizational Infection Control Policies and Procedures.

2. Performs instrument processing, sterilization, biological monitoring, and documentation in compliance with infection control and sterilization protocols.

3. Prepares treatment rooms, instruments, materials, and equipment for patient procedures and ensures proper operatory set up and breakdown before and after each patient visit.

4. Act as a chair-side assistant to the dentist utilizing accepted four-handed dental techniques

5. Anticipates provider needs during procedures by transferring instruments, maintaining clear visibility of the operative field, utilizing suction and retraction techniques, and ensuring efficient patient flow.

6. Exposes and processes dental radiographs in compliance with New York State requirements.

7. Reviews and updates patient medical and dental histories and alerts the provider to any significant findings or contraindications prior to treatment.

8. Provides patient education regarding oral hygiene, preventive care, post operative instructions, and prescribed treatment plans as directed by the dentist or licensed provider.

9. Maintains dental supply inventory, treatment rooms, drawers, and cabinetry in an organized and adequately stocked condition; notifies appropriate personnel of supply shortages.

10. Assists with patient registration, appointment scheduling, encounter reconciliation, and coordination of care as needed to support clinical operations.

11. Maintains accurate patient records and documentation in the electronic record system (ECW)

12. Participates in staff meetings, trainings, quality improvement initiatives, and performs additional duties as assigned by the Dental Director or management consistent with organizational needs and New York State regulations.

13. Covering Dental Assistants at all sites as needed

14. Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma

2. Completion of a formal Dental Assistant training program

3. One-year clinical experience preferred

4. Ability to respond appropriately and respectfully to patients

5. BLS Certification

Equal Opportunity Employer

Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.