Job Details

Position:               Dental Assistant                                                                                  Reports To: Office Manager

FLSA Status:       Full Time - Hourly, Non Exempt                                                  Direct Reports:   None

 JOB DESCRIPTION

The Dental Assistant  participate in providing dental care to patients in a Federally Qualified Health Center. The work involves chair-side assistance, preparation of restorative materials and medications, sterilization of dental instruments, laboratory work, patient scheduling, and record keeping.   The position must provide appropriate dental care instruction and patient education in accordance with appropriate procedures and accepted practices.

PART I:                ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTION AND DUTIES

1. Assists dentist chair-side by delivering and receiving dental instruments, restorative and impression materials, and medications.
2. Mixes and prepares the proper solutions, restorative materials, and/or medications for the procedures to be performed.
3. Cleans and sterilizes dental instruments using an autoclave or cold sterilization technique.
4. Performs laboratory work such as preparing impression material, pouring impressions, preparing models, making base plates, performing minor prosthetic repairs, trimming, and polishing prosthetics.
5. Takes X-rays, processes, labels, and stores X-ray film.
6. Takes inventory of dental instruments and supplies.
7. Logs all treatment data and maintains patient records.
8. Answers telephone and schedules appointments.
9. Orders necessary dental supplies.
10. Performs related work as assigned.

PART II: CLINIC WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Customer Relations:

1. Treats guests, patients, physicians, and other employees with care, courtesy, and respect.
2. Responds quickly and appropriately to customer request.
3. Looks for and suggests ways to better meet customer needs.
4. Answers clinic communications systems promptly and with courtesy and respect.

1. Teamwork:
1. Works cooperatively within own department and other areas.
2. Willingly accepts additional responsibility – tries to make others job easier.
3. Responds quickly to request for assistance.
4. Required to work closely with patients and associates.
5. Interacts with other departments on problem issues. 
6. Accepts feedback from patients, visitors, clinic employees, physicians and general public.

1. Continuous Improvement:
1. Continuously looks for and suggests ways to improve.
2. Effectively completes assignment to achieve the greatest benefits at acceptable cost.
3. Implements improvements as appropriate.
4. Demonstrates interest in own growth and development by:

1. Periodically evaluating own performance.
2. Demonstrating an awareness of personal abilities and limitations.

• Independently seeking means to make improvements.

1. Attends and participates in in-services and continuing education programs
2. Attends departmental meetings.

1. Communications:
1. Keeps appropriate people informed.
2. Speaks and writes clearly, concisely, and appropriately for need.
3. Listens carefully.
4. Communicates tactfully.
5. Understands that all confidentiality and privacy considerations are respected and fostered at work and off duty.

1. Self –Management:
1. Presents a positive image of Western Wayne Family Health Center at all times.
2. Carries out assignments with little need for direction.
3. Timeliness.
4. Maintains confidentiality.
5. Provides proper notification of absence and tardiness.
6. Works weekends and shifts when necessary.

PART III:    EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE

1. High School Diploma
2. Completion of a one-year program in dental assistance or

3. Two years of experience as a dental assistant with one year experience in a dental or medical clinic.

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications

1. Possession of a radiography certification which involves completion of a dental radiography course taught in a program approved by the Michigan Board of Dentistry, pursuant to the Board of Dentistry, Administrative Rule R338.11307is preferred.

PART IV:     KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of dental terminology and equipment.
2. Knowledge of chair-side assistance techniques.
3. Knowledge of routine dental laboratory work.
4. Knowledge of materials and quantities used in mixing dental solutions, restorative materials, and medications.
5. Knowledge of hot and cold sterilization techniques.
6. Knowledge of x-ray equipment and procedures.
7. Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
8. Ability to file and maintain dental records and related documents.
9. Ability to communicate effectively.
10. Ability to get along well with others.

Working Conditions

Jobs are located in federally qualified health facility.

Jobs requires direct contact with a diverse patient population.

Exposure to diseases and illnesses may be inherent in the work

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Approved by CEO                                                                                                                               Date                      

PART IV:     EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work performed by incumbents in this job.  It is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required in this job, not is it intended to limit the authority of any officer of management representative to assign or direct the activities of employees under his or her direction.