Dental Assistant / Patient Representative

DEPARTMENT: DENTAL

JOB TITLE: DENTAL ASSISTANT/ PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE

REPORT TO: Dental Area Administrator

JOB SUMMARY: The Dental Assistant (RDA) must be available to assist the dentist in providing high quality dental services at Innercare Dental Offices. The assistant performs all dental duties under the supervision of a licensed dentist and lead dental assistant according to the Dental Practice Act. The Registered Dental Assistant works individually and as a team, is punctual, maintains regular attendance, is cooperative and shares an enthusiastic attitude. This position requires general dental duties which include the following listed below.

DENTAL ASSISTANT DUTIES:

The duties recorded below are intended to accurately represent the duties of the class and are not intended to cover every single duty of the job.

1. Assists in all dental procedures.

2. Takes and records vital signs.

3. Sets up all operatory trays, cleans and sterilizes all instruments.

4. Take digital x-rays.

5. Disinfect operatories, x-ray machines, dental units, counter tops, and cabinets.

6. Maintains a clean, organized, well-stocked dental lab.

7. Give oral hygiene instructions.

8. Send, track and follow-up of all lab cases.

9. Use Electronic Dental Records and Electronic Health Records.

10. Seats and dismisses patients.

11. Coordinates patients and procedures, keeping patient flow steady.

12. Keep operatories stocked with supplies.

13. Maintains a professional and neat demeanor in attitude, grooming, and attire.

14. Daily maintenance, sterilization and lubrications of low and high hand pieces.

15. Charts existing conditions at an examination appointment.

16. Responsible for continuous quality improvement.

17. Checks all equipment for proper and safe function and maintain current maintenance.

18. Responsible for reporting variance incidents to the Dental Director as soon as possible.

19. May require reporting to work at either Brawley Dental or Calexico Dental or other Dental offices, when deemed necessary by Administration.

20. Any other duties as assigned by the Dental Director.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

The duties recorded below are intended to accurately represent the duties of the class and are not intended to cover every single duty of the job.

21. Excellent Customer Service is a requirement of all Patient Representatives.

22. Greets and assists Innercare patients; directs patients to appropriate office and responds to inquiries regarding available services, billing and related procedures.

23. Functions as back up to PBX Operator.

24. Obtains Vital information from Patient, includes but not limited to:

• Patients Primary Care Physician
• Reason for visit
• Insurance verification
• Verify demographic form is complete
• Method of payment
• Last Hospital visit or consulting Physician with paperwork
• Introduction & Instruction on Patient Portal

25. Collects and records patient payments for services rendered; balances receipts daily in absence of cashier.

26. Schedules and reschedules patient appointments, calls patients to confirm appointments.

27. Completes and processes various forms and records.

28. Scanning and Indexing Patient demographics and other Patient information.

29. Operates variety of office equipment including computer, scanner, printer, copier, calculator, fax machine, telephone, and electronic signature pad.

30. Knowledge and implementation of community-based, patient-centered medical home (PCMH) process with appropriate coordination of care.

31. Special Projects may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Current CPR certificate, California Radiation Certificate. This position requires that a physical examination be passed and that the employee have the following inoculation: Measles immunization, Rubella immunity,

Hepatitis B immunization, TB skin test and/or Chest x-ray and HIV testing. Requires reliable means of transportation to set to and from work.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods, practices and terminology used in general dentistry; knowledge of the use and care of dental equipment, supplies and instruments; knowledge of medical crisis protocol; knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including computers; ability to provide quality dental care and treatment, ability to develop, learn, interpret and/or communicate rules, regulations, procedures and policies; ability to follow and give oral and written directions; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with subordinates, coworkers, supervisors, professionals and patients; ability to react professionally and effectively in emergency medical situations; ability to plan and implement various programs and projects as assigned; ability to learn new information and skills to enhance job performance.

WORK DIRECTION, LEAD AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Not applicable- no assigned permanent employees to supervise.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: This position requires the ability to sit at least 40% of the day, 25% standing, and 35% walking. Fine hand manipulation is required to operate precision dental equipment and consists of simple grasping, power grasping, and pushing and pulling. The position requires the ability to reach or work above the shoulder and below the shoulder very much of the time. The position requires light lifting (ten pounds or less) frequently, over no longer than 100 feet.

CONTACTS: Supervisor, co-workers, other Innercare personnel, patients, clients, medical personnel, and the general public.

WORK SITE: Dental department.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work may require extensive VDT and x-ray exposure. There is exposure to noise. Work is performed in a busy environment. Must comply with the Innercare’ HIPAA Corporate Compliance Program.

HIPAA/Compliance: Maintain privacy of all patient, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need to know basis for business purposes.

Comply with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations. Report unethical, fraudulent or unlawful behavior or activity.

Pay: $23.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person