Bilingual Dental Assistant

SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Dental Services Supervisor, the DA provides skilled dental clinical support to assist the Dentist(s) and Hygienist(s) in the dental operatory. Assist with referrals, sets up operatory, sterilizes tools, sanitizes chairs and equipment according to standard, monitor patients during treatment, provides clerical, clinical and maintenance support for the effective functioning of the Dental Center; provides interpretation services between patient and provider(s) as necessary helping patients maintain and improve their oral health. Treats patients professionally and with dignity.

TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY, AN INDIVIDUAL MUST BE ABLE TO PERFORM EACH ESSENTIAL DUTY SATISFACTORILY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED BELOW ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND/OR ABILITY REQUIRED. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides accurate Spanish/English interpretation for dentists, dental hygienists, and patients and translates written materials as needed
• Assists dentists with all dental procedures including surgery
• Constructs night guards
• Conducts patient education programs
• Distributes patient education materials, and explain treatment
• Cleans, sterilize and maintains dental equipment and operatories as appropriate
• Schedules appointments as necessary
• Participates in continuing professional development to keep informed of clinical practices
• Answers inquiries about dental services
• Performs general clerical duties
• Maintains patient information and confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws and agency policies
• Adheres to OSHA guidelines for a safe work environment
• Adheres to Pillars Community Health guidelines related to Radiation Safety, Infection Control, Patient Safety and customer service.
• Complies with applicable laws and regulations and Pillars Community Health Compliance Program

• Performs other duties as assigned

OTHER

· Adhere to OSHA guidelines for a safe work environment

· Follows all rules required to comply with confidentiality and HIPAA policies.

· Complies with applicable laws and regulations and the corporate compliance program of Pillars Community Health.

· Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

· Minimum 18 years of age

· High School Graduate or GED equivalent

· Current Illinois Dental Assistant Certification – preferred

· Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

· Meets agency health and immunization requirements

· CPR certified

EXPERIENCE

• conducting patient education: 1 year Preferred
• diagnose and treat acute, episodic or chronic mental illness: 1 year Preferred
• not-for-profit organization: 1 year Preferred
• translating written materials into English: 1 year Preferred
• community health center: 1 year Preferred
• CPR certified: 1 year Preferred
• providing accurate Spanish/English interpretation: 1 year Preferred
• cleaning, sterilizing and maintain dental equipment: 1 year Preferred
• OSHA guidelines: 1 year Preferred

DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCIES:

· Chairside assistance.

· Coronal polishing – preferred

· Ability to communicate dental procedures and terminology to and with patients & dental professionals.

· Ability to work with a diverse range of personnel – protected classes of genders, races, religious backgrounds, socio-economic status, etc.

· Ability to multi-task.

· Ability to prioritize multiple tasks from more than one person at a time.

· Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, ECW or other EHR software).

· Demonstrate flexibility and “whatever-it-takes” attitude.

· Ability to read and interpret maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, Safety Data Sheets.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Ability to be mobile in our facilities.

· Climb stairs.

· Ability to lift/support/restrain patients when necessary.

· Ability to lift small boxes, packages and other items up to 25 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Varied settings within the multi-site organization mostly offices, conference areas, community meetings and professional meetings.