I. General Areas of Responsibility:

The Dental Assistant plays a vital role in the dental department for Pinnacle Family Health, providing support to the dentist and ensuring a smooth workflow. Responsible for assisting the dentist in the clinical treatment of patients.

II. Detailed Areas of Responsibility:

1. Assist in patient management, including preparing them for procedures and ensuring their comfort during visits.
2. Support the dentist during examinations and procedures by handing instruments, suctioning, and managing other dental tools.
3. Take dental x-rays as directed and ensure compliance with safety standards.
4. Maintain a clean, sterile environment by properly sterilizing instruments and ensuring all dental equipment is in good working order.
5. Update and maintain patient records, including treatment notes and medical histories.
6. Provide patients with post-operative care instructions and general oral health education.
7. Assist with scheduling appointments and managing the dental office’s calendar.
8. Monitor and order dental supplies as needed to ensure the office is well-stocked.

III. Accountable to Whom:

Director of Dental Services.

IV. Methods of Accountability:

1. Daily interface with the Director of Dental Services and Directors across the health center.
2. Periodic Performance Reviews.

V. Staff Directly Supervised:

None. 

VI. Qualifications:

1. Ability to think, read, write, and speak English in an understandable manner. Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals across the organization.
2. Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with others in the workplace.
3. Possesses the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret, the programs, goals, objective, policies, and procedures, etc., necessary for the department. 
4. Possesses a strong understanding of HIPAA regulations. Must have expertise using Microsoft Office software suite required. 
5. Possesses detail oriented and managing complex projects and multiple tasks. 
6. Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and ensure confidentiality.
7. Treats clients, staff, volunteers, board members, etc. with dignity and respect.
8. Ability to work with minimum supervisory guidance and exercise independent judgment; adapt easily to changes in work assignments and environments; is willing to assume additional responsibility and learn new procedures. 

VII. Education and/or Experience:

1. High school diploma or equivalent; additional dental assistant certification required.
2. Knowledge of dental procedures, terminology, and infection control protocols.

VIII. Physical Demands:

1. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and handle occasional lifting and pulling.
2. Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday. 
3. Ability to function independently, have personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with patients, personnel, and support agencies.
4. Ability to relate and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
5. Ability to carry supplies and other materials as needed during the normal course of work.

IX. Work Environment:

1. Medical clinic environment working in a well-lighted office area of the facility, with a significant amount of time standing and using equipment with hands. 
2. Is subject to frequent interruptions.
3. Is involved with personnel, patients, visitors, government agencies, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. 
4. Attending and participating in continuing educational programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession. 
5. Ability to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.

X. Other:

1. Not currently listed as excluded or sanctioned by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG), the General Services Administration (GSA), or excluded from participation in any federal program. Agrees to promptly notify the supervisor in the event of any such debarment, exclusion, conviction, threat, or indictment occurring during the term of employment.
2. Failure to comply with the organization’s Compliance Practices, which include failure to report conduct or events that potentially violate any laws or the organization’s written compliance standards will be met by disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination.
3. Contribute to PFH’s culture of quality through active participation in PFH’s Quality Management Program.
4. Attendance at meetings and conference calls as scheduled by PFH.
5. Any other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or senior management. 

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, skills, and working conditions may change as needs evolve.