Description:

The Dental Assistant supports dental providers in the delivery of high-quality patient care within the scope of practice. This role is responsible for chairside assistance, infection control and sterilization, radiographic procedures, inventory management, and maintaining clinical workflows in alignment with DFCC policies and regulatory requirements. Essential Job Duties

• Provide chairside assistance during dental procedures utilizing accepted four-handed dentistry techniques.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials in advance of procedures.
• Anticipate provider needs to ensure efficient and effective patient care delivery.
• Perform dental radiographic procedures in accordance with New York State regulations and established safety standards.
• Adhere to all radiation safety protocols and infection control procedures.
• Execute sterilization and disinfection procedures in compliance with OSHA standards, including bloodborne pathogen protocols.
• Perform and document weekly biological spore testing for autoclaves; ensure monthly external monitoring is completed and documented.
• Maintain accurate sterilization and maintenance logs.
• Coordinate casework with dental laboratories, including preparation, tracking, and receipt of cases.
• Accurately document all lab activity in designated logs.
• Monitor, maintain, and replenish clinical supplies and equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Initiate timely ordering and stocking of supplies in treatment areas.
• Maintain equipment logs and report damaged or malfunctioning equipment in accordance with agency policy.
• Assist in managing patient flow to support timely and efficient care delivery.
• Escort patients, prepare them for treatment, and provide support throughout their visit.
• Demonstrate initiative in supporting providers and team members as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete patient records in the EMR in accordance with DFCC policies and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to universal precautions and all infection control standards in the performance of duties.
• Follow all DFCC workflows, policies, and procedures, including additional duties as assigned by clinical or administrative leadership. Non-Essential Functions
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support special projects and cross-site coverage as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Assists the dental staff in the provision of services, as defined by the scope of practice, procurement and maintenance of supplies and equipment, sterilization of equipment and other duties as assigned by the Dental Director or Dentist on duty. Coordinates communication with dental labs to include pick up and delivery of dental lab work. Accurately records dental lab transactions in the log book. Performs all dental sterilization techniques in accordance with acceptable standards of practice to include OSHA standards for blood borne pathogens. Accurately performs weekly biological spore testing on autoclaves and records in log book. Ensures that monthly monitoring by the external biological lab is completed.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of an accredited Dental Assistant training program required.
• New York State Dental Assistant certification/registration preferred.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English required; bilingual Spanish strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated computer literacy, including accurate data entry and experience with electronic medical/dental records (EMR/EHR).
• Prior experience in an ambulatory care, community health center, or dental practice setting preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced clinical environment while prioritizing tasks effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally with patients, providers, and staff at all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated empathy, professionalism, and commitment to patient-centered care.