DENTAL ASSISTANT TRAINEE - 40 HOURS - FULL TIME - (NDC)

The Dental Assistant trainee learns to provide support to CHP dentists and dental hygienists. This person is crossed trained in reception at the dental practice. This person will support CHP’s mission, vision, and values and will adhere to compliance protocols as well as CHP’s policies and procedures.

Dental Assistant Trainee Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learns to support CHP dentists by assisting with instruments, seating patients, room preparation and instrument cleaning.
• Learns to greet patients upon arrival, escorts patients from waiting room to treatment room.
• Learns to take patient vitals and records for dentist evaluation.
• Learns to take dental intra-oral and radiographs and prepares to take radiology course and exam.
• Learns to gather patient’s medical history for dentist review and final documentation.
• Learns to document patient’s current medicines, medical conditions and pre-med if needed.
• Learns to document patient’s blood pressure, weight, and smoking status.
• Learns to provide chair side assistance during procedures as directed by attending dentist.
• Learns to perform lab tasks including denture and temporary crown preparation.
• Learns to track and ensure lab cases for the next day have arrived from the lab.
• Learns to set up, break and wipe down treatment room between patients.
• Learns to clean, check, sterilize dental instruments, flush water lines, and maintain autoclaves.
• Learns to help with tracking and ordering supplies.
• Follows all safety protocols set forth by CHP, Department of Public Health and OSHA.
• Learns to answer phones and assist front desk.
• Learns to schedule new and established patient appointments as needed.
• Learns to collect patient’s co-pay, deductibles, and treatment payments when applicable.
• Will be cross trained to relieve and step in for receptionist when needed.

• May be responsible to open and close front door of office at start and end of day.
• Learns to confirm patient appointments for the upcoming days.
• Inform Dental Center Practice Manager of any irregular procedure observed by a patient or companion while in the waiting area or during intake process.
• Always observe and cooperate with the security of the dental center.
• Flexible schedule including some Saturday hours.
• Flexible to assist at other sites as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully and complete the training program, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Demonstrate ability to manage projects or tasks.
• Manage difficult or emotional patient situations.
• Respond promptly to patient needs.
• Solicit patient feedback to improve service.
• Respond to requests for service and assistance.
• Complete administrative tasks correctly and on time.
• Cover when needed and cross train for additional administration/dental coverage or other site management as needed.

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Professional, welcoming, and pleasant personality.
• Contribute to building a positive team spirit.

• Respond well to questions.
• Take careful and accurate notes.
• Follow up on messages and ensures delivery of messages.
• Compose/type letters if requested by administration.

Requirements

Essential Skills and Qualifications: 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 functions.

• Good communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Spanish speaking/bilingual skills are a plus.
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Database skills are a plus.
• Apply for Dental Assistant License with 6 months.
• Complete the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Setting
• Current certification in the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
• Proof of one of the following to apply for license.

• The successful completion of a Board-approved course on radiological techniques and safeguards, or
• A passing score on the DANB Radiation Health and Safety Examination, or
• The successful completion of the Massachusetts Dental Society Dental Radiology program

Education and/or Experience

• High school or GED.
• Front desk reception experience is a plus.
• Maintain a current CPR license.