Dental Assistant

Position Summary

To assist the dental provider in the delivery of dental services to Sea Mar Community Health Center patients demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patients being served.

The pre-hire competency test must be passed (at 80% correct) before a person can transfer or be hired. At the time of hire, an employee will be given the training plan and calendar with all important dates and the outline of what material is to be covered. At that time the expectation must be made clear that they will be required to pass a competency test after 60 days worked in order to pass probation. At 40 days worked, the employee will be given an evaluation of job functions and outlines any deficiencies that need to be improved. Any training necessary to clarify these expectations will be given by the dental supervisor or dental designee at that time. The Probationary Competency Evaluation/Test will be given just prior to reaching the 60th day worked. Only two hours of paid time should be allotted to complete the evaluation/test. It shall be scored as follows:

Probationary Eval to include review/training on wrong answers

Probationary Eval to include written list of areas to resolve

Below 60%-Terminate employee.

An annual competency test will be given each year to all Dental Assisting staff that has been out of probation for more than 90 days. If this annual test is not passed with at least 80% correct, the Dental Assistant will receive 1-on-1 training in deficient areas, within 1 month of the annual test. Failure to pass the subsequent tests it will result in disciplinary action including suspension and up to termination of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a mission-driven organization, the core values of, and the services offered at Sea Mar are based on the belief that everyone deserves to be respectfully treated in a way that preserves dignity and enhances self-worth. Sea Mar is an advocate for its clients and aims to achieve industry-leading, client-centered, culturally-aware services.

Sea Mar employees serve as an extension of this mission and demonstrate their commitment to an excellent client experience by:

• Understanding and empathizing with client needs
• Surpassing client expectations
• Demonstrating a high level of integrity
• Exhibiting compassion and commitment
• Advocating for social justice
• Taking pride in individual work as well as that of the team
• Continually learning to stay current with industry standards, best practices and technology

As a Sea Mar employee, the individual in this position commits to adherence to these values to their utmost ability and endeavors to strengthen and embody this mission daily.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Anticipate and provide to Dental Providers all necessary chair side assistance using four-handed dentistry technique with procedures in categories as required: Diagnostic, Preventative, Restorative, Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Prosthodontic, Orthodontics and other services allowed by the Washington Dental Practice Act.
• Identify and categorize each patient’s age-specific grouping of needs, such as those for infant, adolescents, and geriatric patients
• You must escort each patient to and from the treatment room.
• Greet, seat, and depart patients, being courteous and professional at all times, especially when talking to patients or discussing confidential information.
• Provide patient education and instructions to patients before, after, and during any dental procedure.
• You are responsible for communicating provider delays and delays in patient flow to the Lead Dental Assistant, the Dental provider, the patients, and the front desk staff.
• Participate in scheduling appointments arriving, and departing patients in Dentrix and registering patient in Allscripts PM.
• Have the ability to complete thorough, accurate charting in Dentrix using S.O.A.P. or P.A.R.T.S. format.
• Obtain accurate blood pressure readings and other vital signs as directed by Dental Provider.
• Maintain proper sterilization methods and OSHA regulations in all clinic areas including treatment rooms and the sterilization areas.
• Perform the responsibilities outlined in the “Task & Duty List” (Dental Department Policy) or outlined by the supervisor or Regional Dental Manager.
• Participate in the training of new employee and/or dental trainees.
• Assist in doing inventory and the ordering of dental supplies.
• Participate in the Quality Improvement Activities of the Dental Department and of Sea Mar Community Health Centers (assigned by a lead dental assistant or the immediate supervisor).

The duties and responsibilities for this position may change with changes occurring in the clinic activities or requirements. The supervisor may assign temporary work in other departments or other dental sites.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This person must sign an oath of permanent confidentiality covering all patient related information. This person must receive a background check from the Washington State Patrol. The new employee shall sign and date the job description to affirm the validity of the information herein, and to signify compliance with the conditions of employment.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform satisfactorily the requirements listed in the task and duty list above. Below are general qualifications and abilities that the position may require to perform the task and duty list successfully:

• Operate in a manner that will prevent employees/patients exposure to communicable diseases through proper infection control.

LANGUAGE/ MATHEMATIC SKILLS

• Must be able to read and write in English.
• A Dental Assistant must have the ability to effectively communicate with patients and staff both verbally and in writing.
• Have the ability to read and interpret common written materials about dentistry.
• Must be able to communicate basic mathematical figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, and percentages.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to define and problem solve, collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations and Medical Screening

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Dental Assistants must have completed a formal Dental Assistant program at a College, Technical Institute or equivalent. Employee with no formal training must have a minimum of 1 year work experience in a Dental Assistant position.
• Must be Registered with the Washington State Department of Health, and keep their registration updated annually. Failure to have a current Washington State Registration will result in disciplinary action, including suspension and up to Termination.
• This position must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR within 90 days of hire date and is required to maintain current BLS CPR throughout employment.
• Must have a TB test annually.

Additional Requirements

• Pre-hire and annual employee health screening required
• Annual influenza vaccine required. Only exception is for employees with a medical or religious exemption approved by Administration. Employees with an approved medical or religious exemption must wear a mask at all time during the flu season.