Summary/Objective

The Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental

hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of NorthShore Health Centers. The assistant performs patient intakes, exposes and processes x-rays, and is also responsible for sterilization of instruments, cleaning and preparing operatories, in addition, the Dental Assistant maintains inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. This position requires travel between NSHC Dental sites as needed.

 

Essential Functions

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and

       giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.

• Exposes and processes x-rays and duplicates, when necessary.


• Ensures all x-ray exposures are suitable for diagnosis.


• Serves as provider’s chair-side assistant, assisting the provider with all dental procedures.


• Provides supportive care for patients at all times


• Keeps the operatory neat and clean during procedures and disinfects thoroughly

       before each patient use.

• Keeps hand pieces properly maintained.


• Adheres to the NorthShore Health Centers dental infection control policies, procedures, and protocols, and guidelines.


• Inventories and maintains dental supplies and equipment


• Provides purchasing information for ordering supplies and/or equipment in a timely manner.


• Restocks rooms as necessary.


• Maintains patient dental records in the dental department in compliance with HIPAA regulations and standards.


• Prepares for the following day's schedule by ensuring proper equipment, lab cases and materials are present in the proper site.


• Takes vital signs and review patient health history, updating as necessary.


• Handles protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with the Health


• Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA).


• Performs expanded function duties as necessary.


• Prepares reports and other documentation as required.


• Attends meetings and training sessions as required, and completes NS Academy requirements.


• Executes other verbal or written specific assigned tasks, requiring similar or lesser skills and abilities, some of which are continuing while others are occasional in nature.
  
   

*These essential functions are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities.  The position will include other duties as assigned and duties are subject to change at management's discretion.

Competencies

• Planning and strategic foresight


• Responsible Decision Making


• Integrity and accountability


• Innovation and creativity


• Adaptive and flexible


• Leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution


• Professionalism and work ethic


• Empathy

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent personal and telephone contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive.

Travel

Travel outside of Northshore locations will be rare for this position.