Dental Assistant
Department: Dental
Reports To: Dental Director
Position Summary
The DentalAssistant provides clinical and administrative support to dentists and thedental care team to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-qualitypatient care. This position assists with patient preparation, chairsideprocedures, radiographs, infection prevention, patient education, and operatorymaintenance while promoting a positive patient experience. The Dental Assistantplays an important role in supporting the mission of Health Care Partners ofSouth Carolina by providing compassionate, patient-centered oral healthcare tothe communities we serve.
Essential Duties andResponsibilities
โข Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment,and materials for patient care and dental procedures.
โข Welcome, prepare, and assist patients before,during, and after dental treatment to promote a comfortable and positiveexperience.
โข Assist dentists during examinations, restorativeprocedures, oral surgery, extractions, endodontic, pediatric, and other dentalprocedures.
โข Obtain and process dental radiographs inaccordance with provider orders and applicable safety standards.
โข Record and update patient medical and dentalhistories, vital signs when appropriate, and other clinical information in theElectronic Health Record (EHR).
โข Provide patient education regarding oralhygiene, preventive care, post-operative instructions, and treatmentrecommendations.
โข Perform chairside and laboratory duties,including taking impressions, pouring models, and preparing dental materials aspermitted by state regulations.
โข Clean, disinfect, sterilize, and maintain dentalinstruments, equipment, operatories, and treatment areas in accordance withOSHA, CDC, and infection prevention guidelines.
โข Monitor dental supplies, instruments, andequipment, reporting maintenance needs and assisting with inventory managementand ordering.
โข Assist with appointment scheduling, patientfollow-up, referrals, and other administrative tasks as needed.
โข Maintain accurate and timely documentation ofpatient care and clinical activities in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
โข Maintain patient confidentiality and protecthealth information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
โข Participate in required trainings, staffmeetings, continuing education, and organizational quality improvementinitiatives.
โข Travel between Health Care Partners of SouthCarolina dental locations as needed.
โข Perform other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience
โข High school diploma or equivalent required.
โข Current Dental Assistant certification asrequired by the State of South Carolina.
โข Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificationthrough the American Heart Association or American Red Cross preferred.
โข Minimum of one (1) year of experience as aDental Assistant in a dental office, community health center, or similarclinical setting preferred.
โข Experience working in a Federally QualifiedHealth Center (FQHC) preferred.
โข Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR)systems preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
โข Knowledge of dental assisting principles,chairside procedures, radiography, sterilization techniques, and infectionprevention practices.
โข Knowledge of OSHA, CDC infection preventionguidelines, and HIPAA regulations.
โข Excellent customer service, communication, andinterpersonal skills with a commitment to providing compassionate,patient-centered care.
โข Strong organizational skills with the ability toprioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
โข Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR)systems and Microsoft Office.
โข Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintainconfidentiality, and establish positive working relationships with patients,providers, and coworkers.