Dental Assistant I

Primary Purpose Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The primary purpose of this unit is to provide preventative care, education, and treatment for dental disease for the citizens of Haywood County.
Primary Purpose of Position: The primary purpose of the position is to assist the Dentist in providing direct patient care for school-age children and indigent persons in Haywood County.
Work Schedule: 40 Hours per week.
Alternate hours may be needed dependent on dentist"s schedule.
Occasionally workdays may be adjusted to accommodate the school calendar or other work schedules.
Other hours may be set or required per county policy.
Description of Responsibilities and Duties 80.
00% - CLINICAL Chair side assisting of Dentist in all types of clinical dental procedures - examinations, prophylaxis (cleaning), fluoride treatments, restorations.
(fillings), sealant, and simple extractions.
The Dentist is legally liable for patient responsibility.
Infection control procedures to minimize possible disease transmission from patient to patient; patient to doctor; and patient to dental assistant.
These procedures will include: Cleaning dental instruments.
Sterilization of instruments.
Disinfecting of surfaces and non-sterilizable items.
Appropriate barrier techniques - gloves, mask, and eyewear.
Operatory cleanliness - garbage disposal, etc.
Radiology procedures include taking routine x-rays and photographs such as bitewings and full mouth series; processes and mounts film.
19.
00% - ADMINISTRATIVE Patient records - includes duties such as completing patient intake, including confirming financial eligibility, taking medical history, reviewing policy and procedures, and gathering signatures as related to patient record.
Patient appointments - will assist dental hygienist with referrals and scheduling of appointments.
Also responsible for calling to confirm and maintain recall system.
Filing - complete filing of dental records.
Assist dental hygienist and dentist with maintaining other files that relate to dental clinic.
Other clerical duties such as typing correspondence, compiling reports, and answering telephone.
Daily Accounts Receivable - collects encounter sheets from dentist and dental hygienist and delivers to data entry clerk for Medicaid billing.
Supplies - inventory supplies; orders, receives, and stock supplies.
1.
00% - Other duties as assigned Participate in Quality Improvement, which may include lead/assist with/be a member of a team, collect and analyze data, implement and evaluate improvement processes, communicate findings, and foster a culture of continuous quality improvement.
Qualifications Required Minimum Training: Graduation from an approved dental assistant course OR graduation from high school and one year of on-the-job training as a dental assistant and required x-ray training when needed; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Special Qualifications - Considerable knowledge of dental equipment, instruments and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of dental office business procedures.
Considerable knowledge of preparation methods and dental materials.
Ability to maintain records, inventories, and patient histories.
Ability to deal tactfully with patients.
Ability to observe, evaluate, and report required information pertaining to a dental or dental assistant student.
Ability to orient dental and dental assistant students, other healthcare personnel, and patients.
Self-motivated, organized, and able to prioritize work.
Able to communicate effectively with parents and children.
Knowledge of dental equipment, procedures, and materials.
Knowledge of general office procedures and equipment.
Must possess good telephone skills.
Physical Requirements Position requires mostly sedentary work that will occasionally require walking or standing for brief periods of time.
Requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis as well as routine keyboard operations.
The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking ability.
Haywood County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
Additional Information ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION: Applicants must submit official college transcripts (if applicable).
Applicants must have NC Driver"s License and access to a vehicle.
The applicant must have a clean driving record with no more than three (3) points showing on current DMV record.
COMPLETION OF APPLICATION: Applicants will be given credit only for information provided in response to the announcement and included on the completed application.
Applications should include at least ten (10) years of work experience on the application (if applicable).
No additional information will be solicited or considered by this office; therefore individuals who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.
Applicants will not automatically be given credit based on their position or title.
Applicants must be 21 years of age Job Advertisement Employer paid Health & Dental Coverage Participation in the NC Retirement System 401(k) and 457(b) plans available Employer paid Life Insurance Competitive Vision Insurance Annual Performance Pay Increases Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave Free Employee Assistance Network Free Employee Wellness Clinic Discounted Gym Membership Paid Holidays Longevity Pay Disclaimer The successful candidate will be subject to a criminal background check.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.