Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assists in basic supportive chairside procedures.
- Assist hygiene as needed.
- Takes and records vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, etc.).
- Charts existing restorations, clinically missing teeth, and appliances within the oral cavity.
- Exposes radiographs upon completion of a South Carolina Board of Dentistry-approved radiation safety course.
- Applies topical drugs as prescribed by the dentist.
- Places and removes rubber dams.
- Places and removes matrix bands.
- Removes sutures.
- Audit and review the following day's schedule to ensure patient appointments, treatment plans, and necessary documentation are complete and prepared.
- Monitor the daily schedule for walk-in and emergency patients, assisting with patient flow and accommodating urgent care needs when appropriate.
- Prepare, process, and coordinate patient referrals to specialty providers as directed by the dentist.
- Scan, upload, and accurately attach clinical documents, records, and correspondence to patient charts within the electronic health record system.
- Answers live phone calls and returns messages from the Dental Assistant phone lines.
- Ensures work areas are kept safe, clean, well organized, and adequately stocked with supplies.
- Assist with instrument processing and sterilization procedures in accordance with infection control and OSHA standards.
- Support daily office operations by managing and completing laundering of lab coats.
- Perform routine dental equipment maintenance, including bleeding waterlines and ensuring proper operatory functionality.
- Maintain evacuation systems by regularly changing and cleaning suction traps according to office protocols.
- Maintains a cooperative and professional working environment with co-workers and patients.
- Assists in providing Process Improvement reports to support the continuous improvement of patient care quality.
- Abides by all OSHA, EPA, HIPAA, and applicable infection control regulations.
- Holds all Protected Health Information (PHI), patient personal information, and agency information in strict confidence.
- Actively participates in and complies with all aspects of the Corporate Compliance Program; follows the Code of Conduct; and adheres to all applicable federal and state laws, statutes, regulations, and requirements related to Medicaid, Medicare, and other healthcare programs.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Duties and Responsibilities:
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Takes impressions for study models.
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Places and removes socket dressing.
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Places gingival retraction cord.
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Places temporary restorations.
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Cements temporary crowns or bridges.
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Removes excess cement from restoration and/or appliances.
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Polishes restorations and supra-gingival tooth structure.
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Performs application of pit and fissure sealant.
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Monitors nitrous oxide anesthesia, approved/applicable, with completion of SC State Dental Board-approval course and certification by the SC State Dental Board.
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Functions as dental receptionist, makes appointments, answers phones, and sends reminder notices and other receptionist duties, as requested.
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Completes insurance pre-authorizations and assists with other billing activities, as requested.
Qualifications:
Education/Experience:
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High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Graduate of an accredited Dental Assistant program, or a minimum of two years full-time experience as a chair-side Dental Assistant in a dental office.
- Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
- Must be able to relate to a variety of people at different developmental levels.
- Must possess the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
- Must be flexible as to the changing needs of the Center.
- Must be able to work as a team player at all times.
- Current CPR certification required.
To learn more about Tandem Health and our benefits, please click the links below.
https://tandemhealthsc.e3applicants.com/about-us/benefits-trial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STg1IbibH5g
