Dental Assistant - Equity Health (SF, CA)

Equity Health is a federally funded community health center providing ambulatory primary health care services to low-income, medically underserved residents in the inner-city area of San Francisco. The Dental Assistant, under general supervision of the Director of Dental Operations, will provide chairside dental assistance in the treatment of patients and various clinical/administrative support in the procurement of supplies, processing treatment forms, appointments and other services as required.

Key Performance Indicators

·         Welcome patients using the H.E.A.R.T customer service approach and prepare them to be seen by dentist; review and update patient charts with chief complaint, medical and dental histories, and vital signs.

·         Capture and mount dental diagnostic digital x-rays as necessary for patient visits.

·         Actively assist dentist and anticipate provider needs during comprehensive oral examinations and four-handed chairside dentistry during procedures (i.e. restorative, oral surgery, periodontal and preventative care, endodontics, crown and bridge); record notes to the EDR (electronic dental record).

·         Review dental referral forms for completeness including patient name, address, reason for referral and provide duplicate copy of x-rays.

·         Assist in pouring models, separating models as instructed, completion of prescriptions and contact dental lab for pick-up and drop-off of cases. Communicate with lab for dentist, to follow-up and update.

·         Provide oral health instruction (OHI) and oral hygiene kit.

·         Clean and polish night guards, or removable dentures as requested by dentist.

·         Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist, including oral hygiene and care of prosthesis.

·         Assist with medical or dental emergencies (follow CPR protocol).

·         Monitor and identify dental supplies and equipment to maintain adequate inventory to support dental office.

·         Maintain and record daily and weekly maintenance records as required by OSHA and environmental biohazard and safety regulations. Turn in sterilization indicator envelope once per week.

·         Clean and set-up dental chair and operatory for each patient. Refill supplies (i.e., water bottles with water pills, gauze, cotton rolls, air water tip, napkins, cups).

·         Properly clean/sterilize instruments of any blood, run through dishwasher/ultrasonic. Pack cassettes or pouches for autoclave sterilization; Check sterilizer routinely for malfunction; Label and store sterilized instruments.

·         Communicate with front desk staff regarding availability of patient lab cases (i.e., dentures and crowns) to ensure patients are scheduled for appointments in a timely manner.

·         Attend meetings and conferences as related to job or required by Dental Director or Director of Dental Operations.

·         Offer language services and assistance to patients with mobility needs.

·         Take a trauma-informed approach when engaging individuals entering the health center or while supporting outreach community events.

·         Maintain a collaborative working relationship with clinical, administrative, and support staff.

·         Participate in scheduled outreach events to inform and promote the services of Equity Health.

·         Comply with all HIPAA regulations and Equity Health operational standards.

·         Perform other duties as assigned and required.

 

Experience

·         High School Diploma or GED certificate AND completion of Dental Assistant Certificate program including valid   X-ray license/Radiation Safety and Infection Control certificates

·         Must have current CPR/BLS certification, proof of recent TB test, Hepatitis Vaccine, and a recent physical exam.

·         Non-profit, community healthcare experience with 2 years of dental assisting experience preferred

·         Familiarity with or understanding of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and the ability to gain proficient skills with the organizational EHR software programs (EPIC) and Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook)

·         Bilingual in Spanish, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog, or Nepali preferred

 

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

·         Ability to relate sensitively to a multi-ethnic, culturally and socio-economically diverse clientele

·         Ability to represent the organization in a positive and professional manner; strong attention to detail, work effectively under pressure, and prioritize multiple projects

·         Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; work independently with minimal supervision

·         Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment; maintain good rapport and cooperative working relationships with Medical Providers, Department Managers, and staff

·         Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

·         Adherence to Company policies and procedures; maintain consistent attendance and punctuality

·         Absolute integrity and use of good judgment in handling confidential duties, tasks, and information

·         Ability to keep and maintain accurate and legible treatment information and patient records

·         Foster a culture of equity, inclusion, accountability, and innovation throughout the organization

 

Physical, Environmental and Working Conditions

Work is normally performed in a typical office or clinic environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical: Occasionally required to carry/lift/push/pull/move up to 25lbs. Frequently required to perform moderately difficult and repetitive manipulative tasks such as typing, dental assisting. Must be able to stand and sit for extended periods. Requires the ability to quickly and steadily reach with hands and arms. Requires sitting chairside operating a computer keyboard and using dental instruments for extended periods of time. Occasional travel to other Equity Health clinical sites may be required.

Sensory: Frequently required to read both online and written communications. Must be able to distinguish normal sounds with some background noise while interacting with patients and staff.

Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office (dental clinic, office) environments. Occasional exposure to dust and loud noises.

Equipment: Frequently required to use dental instruments, x-ray machines, a computer, copy machine, fax machine, and other office equipment.

 

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skill, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with this job. While intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that different tasks be performed when circumstances change. This job description replaces all previous job descriptions for this position.