DENTAL ASSISTANT

The Dental Assistant assists the dentist in providing dental treatment.

• Keeps accurate records of patient current medical history and dental charting.
• Manages patient during dental procedures, assists dentist chair-side.
• Prepares patients for all dental procedures including taking blood pressure and rooming of patient.
• Ensures sterilization of instruments, treatment room and surrounding work areas. Adhering to infection control standards.
• Provides Instrument transfer assistance.
• Takes impressions as needed.
• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Answer patient and provider questions as they arise.
• Educates patients as appropriate.
• Communicates with patient and providers regarding oversight of treatment plan.
• Takes x-rays as needed; licensure required.
• Assist Patient Specialists in dental pre-planning and prior authorizations, and appropriate list of services.
• Process dental referrals per policy to include closing the referral loop and utilizing orders management.
• Scheduling of appointments including follow up with Dental/Dental Hygiene.
• Utilizes and maintains higher education, seminars, professional publications to remain current in profession.
• Inventory and ordering of all dental supplies assuring adequate inventory with no waste. Restocking of exam rooms weekly.
• Regularly checks the dental task box and completes tasks as appropriate, in a timely manner.
• Coordinates "Give Kids A Smile Day" to include plan, schedule, activities and prizes.
• Participates in all safety program training, drills, and education sessions AND may include assignment to an emergency response team.

The following experience and skills are considered essential:

• At least one year of prior experience as a Dental Assistant preferred.
• Experience and skill in maintaining records and recording test results.
• Ability to interact in a pleasant and professional manner with a wide variety of professional staff and patients.
• Ability to maintain quality control standards.
• Organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and attention to detail.
• Adheres to Hometown Health Center's employee immunization policy.

The following education requirements are considered essential:

• High School diploma and/or Graduate of Certified Dental program.
• Have or obtain State of Maine Radiology Licensure and have or obtain Certified Dental Assistant Licensure.