Dental Assistant - Capp Street San Francisco, California, United States

Description · POSITION: Dental Assistant  · DEPARTMENT: Dental · REPORTS TO: Dental Assistant Supervisor · LOCATION: Native American Health Center, Inc. (NAHC) · 160 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 · STATUS: Non-Exempt, Union · POSITION SUMMARY · The Dental Assistant (DA) is ...

Job description

Description

POSITION: Dental Assistant 

DEPARTMENT: Dental

REPORTS TO: Dental Assistant Supervisor

LOCATION: Native American Health Center, Inc. (NAHC)

160 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

STATUS: Non-Exempt, Union

POSITION SUMMARY

The Dental Assistant (DA) is a key member of the Native American Health Center's (NAHC) Dental Department who will provide chairside assisting support in a multi-disciplinary setting. The DA will work at both General and Pediatric clinics, and will perform all duties in accordance to the Dental Practice Act, adhere to infection control practices and maintain HIPPA standards

This position will work occasional Saturdays, as needed and directed by operations.

The Native American Health Center is an accredited institution and adheres to the standards of excellence set forth by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform all duties with excellence and in accordance with the Dental Practice Act of California.

1. Assist in the provision of high-quality care within the scope of service consisted with accepted standards of care for Dental Assistants.

2. Display optimal customer services by greeting all members in a professional and timely manner.

3. Exhibit good chairside manners by displaying a calm and patient demeanor, have the ability to work well with various populations (e.g. children and individuals with mental and physical disabilities)

4. In collaboration with the dentists, provide oral hygiene instructions to members and parents/caregivers.

5. Apply topical anesthetic as requested by the assigned dentist.

6. Obtain and record members vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, etc.) as indicated by the treatment rendered and/or requested by the assigned dental provider.

7. Capture diagnostic quality radiographs by use of digital technology in a manner that is accurately documented into the members EDR.

8. Prepare operatory for member reception, according to departmental policy and ensure operatory is as aseptic as possible for member welfare in adherence to infection control practices

9. Perform chart preparation practices by reviewing the chart notes for the planned treatment, in order to set up trays and operatory appropriately.

10. Prepare instruments, trays, materials and equipment for all dental procedures

11. Prior to dental treatment, provide pre and post-operative instructions, review all required forms (e.g. consents, timeout form), ensure completeness and gathering of signatures with guidance from the assigned dental provider

12. Apply four handed chairside assisting techniques by working closely with the dental provider to optimize visibility, isolation and transfer of instruments and materials to allow for the procedure to be completed in a more efficient and ergonomic manner. This includes following all instructions front the assigned dental provider at chairside.

13. Assist clinical staff in optimizing member flow. This will include keeping work areas well organized, stocked and clean. Seating members, "floating" and supporting other dental team members with care. Obtain preliminary impressions for diagnostic and opposing study models

14. Manage prosthetic lab cases by pouring, packaging and recording the outgoing case into the tracking log in a manner that is complete, accurate and timely. Record incoming cases, in a tracking log, and store in designated area.

15. Proactively inform the Dental Assistant Supervisor (DAS) of any supplies that need to be replenished, so consistent levels of supplies are maintained at all times

16. Proactively communicate and work effectively with dental personnel to best serve members by relaying information regarding member care as appropriate (e.g. referrals)

17. Perform Sterilization and maintenance procedures in accordance to department policy and manufacturer's guidelines

18. Oakland only: Will assist Orthodontist with ligature ties removal and replacement under the guidance of the orthodontist.

19. Participate in outreach and off-stie events providing dental treatment off-site (i.e. at mobile and satellite clinics) when requested by direct supervisor

20. Provide translation services, as needed, for the department.

21. Member Care: Demonstrate understanding and apply working knowledge of safety policies and ensuring safe member practices.

22. Employee Safety: Safely performs all duties; follows required protective protocols to ensure personal safety as well the safety of others.

23. Must maintain compliance with ergonomic safety standards; be mindful of posture and regularly practice ergonomic stretches.

24. Actively participate in internal quality improvement teams and work with members proactively to drive quality improvement initiatives in accordance with the mission and strategic goals of the organization, federal and state laws and regulations, and accreditation standards, when assigned.

25. HIPAA: Keep all protected health information (PHI) confidential and abide by HIPAA policies for the release and disclosure of any PHI. Will report unauthorized use of disclosure of PHI immediately, to supervisor or HIPAA security officer.

26. Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required.

2. Must have DA Certification and prior experience working as a Dental Assistant is required, preferably with a minimum of 2 years.

3. Must possess a dental radiation safety license and have experience with digital x-ray technology.

4. BLS/CPR certification must be obtained prior to start date and kept current at all times.

5. Prior experience working with and EDR system is a plus, specifically with, Dentrix.

6. Knowledge of the Bay Area Native American community with a commitment to serving Native Americans and other vulnerable member populations is required.

7. Must be able to handle day to day challenges, confidently; be willing and able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, demonstrate flexibility.

8. Must be a self-starter, proactive, have high integrity and high attention to detail.

9. Must work well independently and as a part of a team.

10. Fluency in Spanish, including both written and verbal, is preferred. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, bend at waist, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to both an inside/outside environment.

Benefits: Native American Health Center (NAHC) considers our employees to be our most valuable resource and offers an excellent benefit package: competitive salaries, personal time off (PTO) or sick/vacation leave program, and an employer contribution 403(b) retirement plan to full-time regular status employees. We also provide medical, vision, dental, flexible spending, group term and voluntary life insurance coverage for employees and their dependents—with a percentage of employee contribution for dependent medical premiums.

Note to Applicants: Please be advised a post job offer, pre-employment Physical, TB test and Vaccination Clearance are required as a condition of employment. Vaccination Levels: 0 – Limited - require only TB, Physical & Seasonal Flu; 1 – Full Panel with exposure of Blood Borne Pathogens – requires, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, TDAP, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TB, Physical & Season Flu; 2 – Full panel no exposure of Blood Borne Pathogens – requires Measles, Mumps, Rubella, TDAP, Varicella, TB, Physical & Seasonal Flu. Additionally, you may be asked to get a Department of Justice Fingerprinting and/or Federal, State, County criminal background check clearance as a contingency for an offer of employment. Criminal clearances are obtained to protect the welfare and safety of clients receiving services at NAHC.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin or other non-merit factors.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Native American Health Center abides by the mandates of the ADEA (protecting individuals 40 years and older) and considers age a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Native American Health Center abides by the mandates of the ADA and considers disability a non-merit factor in all employment decisions and considerations. Furthermore, NAHC will make any practical, feasible, and reasonable arrangements to accommodate qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.