Massachusetts Jobs

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Dental Assistant reports directly to the Director of Dental Services. The Dental Assistant provides chair side assistance to dentist, dental hygienists, and dental externs/students. The Dental Assistant also performs various administrative tasks as designated by the Dental Office Manager. TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires sitting, bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare and communicate appropriate forms and reports as needed. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENTS: As an organization we are committed to providing care as Patient Centered Medical Home. All employees are required to be aware of the organizations practice of the NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home and the National Health Disparities Improvement Models. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Assists with patient management by seating and preparing patient for treatment, assists with patient comfort and anxiety reduction during treatment and prepares patients for dismissal following treatment. Prepares amalgams and adhesives and applies topical fluoride. Wraps and sterilizes instruments and cleans workstation between patients. Exposes and develops radiographs for dental diagnostic purposes. Instructs an individual in oral hygiene techniques and preventative procedures. Removes sutures, and applies topical anesthetic and desensitizing agents. Confirms patient appointments and recalls. Performs clerical functions to maintain patient charts and schedule treatment. Prepares daily schedules and pulls/re-files patient charts. Checks for communicable diseases and advises dentist as necessary. Records examination findings and/or treatment procedures to patient charts. Processes dental insurance forms for private/mass health carriers. Performs other duties as requested Revised: 8/08 Edited: 8/09 Required Experience/Abilities/Competencies: General knowledge of the equipment, materials, procedures, and terminology used in dentistry. Basic knowledge of professional and legal standards required for working as a dental assistant. Knowledge of and strict adherence to proper infection control protocols. Basic knowledge of the standards, principles and practices related to each of the following: Radiological functions and /or Expanded Function Dental or Orthodontic Dental Assistants. Skill in operation of x-ray equipment and the processing of film. Skill in mixing amalgams, cements, and impression materials. Skill in organizing workstations. Skill in chair side assistance including fourhanded dentistry. Skill in reading patient charts and extracting significant information. Skill in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Skill in maintaining supplies, instrument inventory and ordering as required. Computer competency: Microsoft Office and Outlook email Proficient customer service skills Ability to work with a diverse population and staff. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers and staff. Licensure/Certification/Education/Training: High School Diploma or higher Dental Assistant License Completion of intensive training program leading to a certificate in dental assisting including required 160-350 externship hours OR minimum of three years of dental assisting experience. Massachusetts Radiology Certification