Summary

Directly responsible for assisting the dentist with dental procedures, performing dental screenings, reviewing the dental treatment plan with the Dentist and documenting the treatment plan in patient chart, overseeing the day-to-day operation and maintenance of dental equipment, dental operatories, and sterilization of instruments/hand pieces; maintaining dental records, quality improvement, organizing and maintaining a dental supplies inventory, and providing assistance to the Dental Clinic Coordinator and Dentists.  The individual is accountable to and reports directly to the Dental Clinic Director. 

Job Duties

• Assists dentist in exams, screenings, treatment procedures, and documents the treatment plan in patient charts.
• Conducts patient x-rays/pouring up impressions/fabricating temporary crowns.
• Provides oral hygiene instruction and post-op instruction.
• Informs the patient about the procedure(s) that will be performed at each patient visit and gain consent.
• Helps provide orientation and training for any students, dental residents or volunteers who provide services in the dental clinic.   
• Creates an environment where the faculty, residents, staff and volunteers understand the needs of the patients are the primary priority.
• Assists staff, faculty, residents, and volunteers to comply with standard policies and procedures.
• Assists faculty, residents, staff and volunteers to accurately document the clinical services rendered.
• Communicates with the Dental Clinic Coordinator regarding workflow and schedule changes to improve clinic efficiency, productivity and patient satisfaction.
• Helps Dental Clinic Coordinator to track patient encounter data necessary for reporting outcome measures to granting agencies.
• Assures that the facilities are adequately cleaned and furnished.
• Cleans and maintain dental equipment/report problems with equipment immediately to Dental Clinic Director.
• Assures that the dental staff has the equipment and supplies that are needed to render quality dental care. 
• Maintains and monitors the inventory of dental and office supplies; report list of needed supplies to the Dental Clinic Coordinator.
• Performs sterilizer tests on regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of a Dental Assistant Training program through an accredited institution. 
• Active Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) License registered with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).
• CPR certification ( American Heart Association). 

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinic dental assisting experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel); knowledge of Curve Dental Software a plus.
• Prior experience working with the indigent and/or homeless populations.
•  Willing to receive Hepatitis B vaccination, if not previously vaccinated