Employment

Primary Function

The employee works under the direction and supervision of the Dental Assistant Supervisor. This position is primarily located at Cherokee Indian Hospital Dental Clinic. There may be some travel required in order to provide services in other locations. Under supervision, the incumbent is responsible for a variety of clinical and administrative duties established by the Dental Assistant Supervisor. On-the-job training will be necessary to learn and practice both clinical and administrative duties within the dental clinic. The primary duties will be to perform all basic dental assistant functions in order to allow the dental team to function as efficiently as possible. This position corresponds to the State of NC Dental Assistant I.

CIH Dental believes that these skills are necessary for the employee to be successful in the Dental Assisting position:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Listening Skills
• Detail Oriented
• Dexterity/ Hand Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Basic Computer Knowledge
• Passion for helping patients

Duties will consist of standard chairside dental assisting duties, greeting patients/visitors, patient registration, answering calls, scheduling patient appointments, filing, mail delivery, message delivery, courier service, information retrieval, sending and receiving faxes, use of copier, and to perform other standard office and clinical duties as assigned. Incumbent will actively participate in HP/DP projects as needed.

Job Description

Administrative Duties

• Greets patients/visitors, makes necessary notifications, assists as necessary to facilitate contact with appropriate persons, and directs to specified office.
• Responsible for scheduling, re-scheduling, and cancelling patient appointments via phone and in person.
• Make sure insurance information is obtained (copied) and proper authorizations have been documented.
• Update demographic information for appointed patients. Make sure patient’s address and phone numbers are most recent. Check patient’s eligibility regarding the care they can receive.
• Develops and implements consistent office procedures regarding filing, mail delivery, message delivery, courier service, and information retrieval, sending and receiving faxes, use of copier, and all other standard office duties.
• Proficient in the use of Electronic Health Record (EHR) and RPMS to assist with appointment schedules in the Dental Clinic. Performs various clerical tasks in support of daily operations such as filing, typing, copying, patient registration, making appointment reminder calls, patient check-in, patient check-out, and making follow-up appointments, etc.
• Maintains a neat and orderly work area and office reception area.
• Types standard forms, letters, documents, correspondence, etc. on a daily basis or as deemed necessary.
• Sends and receives all office copies while distributing them to the appropriate staff.
• Performs job duties according to established safety guidelines and CIHA polices.
• Records telephone messages pertaining to dental care, returns phone calls to patients regarding their care, and if needed, refers all urgent communication to the professional staff for immediate action. Initiates calls as requested by staff.
• Requests transportation for patients internally and externally.
• Assists with the billing process when necessary.
• Prepares and maintains packet of forms used by the Dental Department.
• Maintains clerical supplies by checking stock and requisitions replacement as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be necessary to work when Administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised.

Clinical Duties

• Performs basic routine chairside assisting in all areas (General, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Oral Surgery and Endodontics) and accurately records diagnostic information and treatment provided for each patient upon training.
• Responsible for day-to-day maintenance of all clinic areas including minor equipment adjustments and cleanliness of clinic areas.
• Responsible for following CIH Dental Policies for using best infection control practices that keep employees and patients safe and protected while in the dental clinic.
• Responsible for understanding and practicing the dental clinic regulations around room set up and turnover.
• Other duties allowed under State of North Carolina Dental Practices for Dental Assistant I.

Job Knowledge

This position is considered an entry-level position within the dental clinic, and will require a candidate who is highly motivated and has initiative to learn and practice the skills that will be taught. Typically it takes one year to become proficient in this position.

• A good working knowledge of dental terminology in order to accurately record treatment and examination information in patient chart, describe diseases and medical and surgical procedures, as well as standard abbreviations used by the dental staff.
• Ability to sterilize dental instruments and keep clinic clean and presentable to patients.
• Skill and dexterity in performing all intra oral and extra oral techniques.
• Knowledge of all routine dental instruments and procedures in order to prepare for and assist in all normal clinical procedures.
• A practical knowledge of the medical facility’s organization and services, the basic rules and regulations governing visitors and patient treatment, HIPAA, and practical knowledge of standard procedures and medical records.
• Knowledge of typing and basic computer skills. Familiarity with computerized based appointment scheduling.
• Knowledge of requisitioning supplies and maintaining clerical supply levels.
• Must adhere to the procedures, policies, and operational guidelines of CIHA.
• Must know specified software programs and applications, especially Outlook, Word, Publisher, Power Point, and Excel.
• Requires the ability to organize work, deal effectively with the public and staff and communicate efficiently, both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to work as a team member of the dental group and independently.

Education/Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Demonstration of average keyboarding and typing skills required.
• Demonstration of position appropriate professional behavior required.
• Demonstration of fine motor and dexterity skills required. 
• A minimum of two years' experience working in a clerical, administrative, or health related field is preferred. 
• Previous experience in a dental setting is preferred. 
• Previous experience working with Dentrix Program is preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.