Dental Assistant

Description

Position Purpose/Summary

This full-time dental assistant position requires excellent clinical and administrative skills. The qualified candidate will assist dental providers and will be required to perform related office work during the week. This employee will be responsible for keeping records, managing clerical detail, providing diagnostic aid and assistance to the dentist and/or dental hygienist, performing clinical supportive functions including preparing and dismissing patients, and performing various dental treatments and laboratory tasks. Knowledge of the MassHealth billing and reimbursement process is mandatory for this position. Bi-lingual (Spanish) candidates are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions
Clinical Functions

Assists dentist and/or dental hygienist by charting the mouth and teeth of patients as directed by the dentist or dental hygienist

Passes instruments and performs other routine tasks in the care of patients as directed by the dentist or dental hygienist

Performs coronal polishing of dentition as directed by the dentist (CDA only)

Apply sealants (CDA only), and performs other procedures as directed by the dentist

Takes x-rays and processes them as directed by the dentist

Prepares tray set-ups for dental procedures

Mixes amalgam and composite filling material according to instructions.

Responsible for the routine cleaning of the treatment rooms and associated equipment

Responsible for the routine cleaning and maintenance of small dental equipment (autoclaves, developer, etc)

Cleans and prepares instruments for the sterilization process

Sterilizes instruments according to current guidelines

Cleans and lubricates all hand-pieces according to manufacturer specifications before and after sterilization.

Assists in the Operating Room as directed by the dentist (CDA only)

Administrative Functions

Register, schedule and check-out patients as needed

Responsible for entering information and maintaining electronic health record and alerting Front Desk Supervisor for the Oral Health Program of any problems associated with the electronic health record as needed

Help in the maintenance of dental charts, records and files

May call and request patient information from other providers necessary for the continuum of good patient care as needed

May call parent/guardian to verify information on medical history as needed

May contact Insurer for information regarding status of claims etc. as needed

Prepares order for administrative and dental supplies as necessary.

Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Excellent knowledge of routine dental office practices
Ability to take, process and mount x-ray films of diagnostic quality
Ability to sterilize and otherwise care for instruments and equipment
Ability to chart mouth and teeth
Ability to learn dental laboratory and office routines and methods
Ability to alleviate patient’s anxieties and promote trust and confidence
Ability to operate a personal computer and with training, maintain electronic health record specifically designed for COSHC & Dental Clinics
CDA may perform all services listed under the Commonwealth of MA Allowable Functions List

Education and Experience

CDA – graduation and certification from an accredited school of dental assisting

DA – at least two years experience assisting a dentist in the examination and treatment of patients and possess x-ray certification to take dental radiographs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

MassHealth insurance billing/reimbursement experience