Dental Assistant - Southwest - Adult Dental

El Rio Community Health Center; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

El Rio Health is seeking a Dental Assistant to support the dental department by passing instruments, preparing treatment areas, and assisting dentists and hygienists in patient care. The role emphasizes compliance with OSHA and HIPAA, radiology certification, and a strong focus on patient flow and safety.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or GED, a dental assisting certificate or 3+ years of chairside experience, and a Level One Fingerprint Clearance card, with bilingual

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certificate from accredited Dental Assistant Program or 3+ years chairside experience.
• Current AZ radiology certificate; BLS certification.
• Level One Fingerprint Clearance card; valid driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation for work assignments.

Responsibilities

• Assist Dentists and Hygienists in delivering patient care.
• Pass instruments, place rubber dams, and manage emergency procedures.
• Record treatment and code charges; prepare treatment plans in charts.
• Prepare patients for treatment and take vital signs.
• Maintain sterile, clean operatories and sterilization areas.
• Direct patient flow and support clinic workflow as needed.
• Ensure HIPAA and Compliance policies are followed.

Skills

Chairside dental assisting

Infection control

CPR/BLS

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Dental Assistant Certificate

Tools

Air and water syringe

High-speed evacuation system

Dental tray setup

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

The Dental Assistant supports dental care by assisting the providers in the delivery of dental care to patients by performing those procedures allowable according to Arizona State Dental Laws and other duties authorized by providers and supervisor.

The primary goal of the El Rio Health Dental Assistant is to support El Rio’s Mission of providing comprehensive, quality health care that is affordable and accessible to all who may have healthcare needs, by successfully performing the primary essential functions.

Essential Job Functions

• Supports El Rio Dental Department & ancillary staff in the delivery of quality dental services to patients by performing those procedures identified as allowable according to Arizona State Dental Laws and other duties authorized by Dentists and Supervisors.
• Assists Dentists and Hygienists in the delivery of patient care by passing instruments, placing rubber dams, proficient in the use of the air and water syringe and the high-speed evacuation system by taking preliminary impressions, pouring, and trimming the models. Help providers manage dental and medical emergencies using authorized emergency procedures, administering CPR, using Universal Precautions and OSHA guidelines.
• Provides historical reference by accurately and efficiently record treatment, accurately code charges for services, preparing treatment plan on dental charts, entering progress notes/treatment plan in computer as indicated according to policy/procedures.
• Prepares patients for dental treatment by taking and recording of blood pressure of patients, seating patients, and preparing them for the provider at the appointed time.
• Maintains safe and clean working area by keeping operatories, dental lab, sterilization area, and other work areas clean and organized at all times. Properly cleaning, storing, and maintaining dental instruments, hand pieces and sterilization units.
• Contributes to team effort by becoming proficient in working with all providers and different team members to promote a smooth workflow in the event of a team member’s absence.
• Allows flexibility in work assignments in all areas qualified for in the clinic, performing other duties as required to accomplish results as needed.
• Assists with the flow of patients and takes a leadership role when assigned on a rotational basis.
• Complies with all policies and procedures, including but not limited to those addressing HIPAA and Compliance.
• Provides instrumentation by preparing and maintaining all dental trays and instruments and by washing and sterilizing all instruments according to current clinic procedures and protocols.
• Provide a work environment safe and free from hazards; immediately addresses and informs management of safety issues or potential hazards; adheres to Health and Safety Policies and Procedures; participates in all safety programs, which may include assignment to an emergency response team.
• Contributes to the expected level of productivity by using good time management skills and ability work well with all team members.
• Captures correct charges, confirms scheduled appointments, and takes the initiative to seat appointed patients, walk-ins, and emergencies, taking all measures possible to ensure a <5% no-show rate and by sending no-show cards to patients as needed.
• Helps direct the positive use of provider and support staff time by directing and maintaining smooth patient flow, stocks operatories on a daily basis with adequate supplies, equipment, documents, and forms.
• Surveys and removes outdated materials, maintains a clean, orderly, and pleasant work environment, and informs the supervisor when a given item is out and/or low.
• Provides information to patients by relaying information, instructions, directions and/or consent, to patients, parents, or guardian, regarding treatment, at the direction of the dentists and hygienists. Instructs patients and parents in oral hygiene and accurately communicates treatment plans and fees to patients.
• Uses all clinic time constructively by using provider downtime to attend the other tasks such as cleaning instruments, organizing, assisting partner or other team members.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and hygienic work environment in compliance with all Policies and Procedures including but not limited to work areas, workstations, examination rooms, hand washing, infection prevention and control etc. for this position
• Demonstrates an understanding of and proficiency with the application of all compliance and reporting requirements respective to Joint Commission Certification (JCC) standards.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D.)
• Certificate of completion from an accredited Dental Assistant Program and/or at least 3 years of chairside dental assisting experience.

If applicable, equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, and must be directly related to the functions and responsibilities of the job.

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

• Must hold a current Arizona Board-approved certificate in radiology.

• Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers.
• Level I fingerprint clearance card: current valid and in good standing or have applied for it within seven working days after beginning employment.
• Employees in this position are required to have reliable transportation that can meet any operational reassignments of the organization during the workday. If an employee is driving during work hours, the employee is required to possess a valid driver’s license and must comply with Arizona vehicle insurance requirements.

Preferred Education, Experience, Skills, Abilities

• One (1) years’ work experience as a Dental Assistant.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) with the ability to speak, read and write in both languages

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices to perform the essential functions of the job.

El Rio Health does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

El Rio Health requires all AZ employees to have a Level One Fingerprint Clearance card. A.R.S. 36.425.03. New hires and transfers must submit their fingerprint clearance card or fingerprint receipt before their hire date or transfer date. Level One (1) Non-IVP Fingerprint Clearance card must be received within 30 days after the new employee hire date or transfer date.

All employees are strongly recommended to obtain and maintain vaccination status (i.e., as recommended by CDC and/or other public health agencies) to include an Influenza vaccination. Subject to exemptions and accommodations when required by law. (Policy: Adm-016 & Adm-045).

All employees are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal and State regulations for alcohol and controlled substance testing. Employees in positions holding responsibility for the safety and welfare of others will also be classified as safety sensitive.

El Rio Health is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and abides by all applicable federal Drug-Free Workplace standards. El Rio Health is an equal opportunity employer.