Job Role Summary

The employee provides certified dental assisting skills for the Dental Health Department of the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD).  The employee devotes full attention to job duties for the entire work period and successfully completes the tasks assigned for the proper and safe care of patients and operations of the dental clinic. The employee successfully demonstrates compliance with quality assurance, improvement and safety requirements.  The employee consistently shows initiative, efficiency, problem solving skills, high attention to detail, and friendly customer service skills.

Essential Duties

• Assists the dentist(s) in preventive care, operative treatment, periodontal therapy, limited endodontic care, simple oral surgery, and other dental treatment procedures provided by the MCPHD dentist(s); Assists the dental hygienist in periodontal charting, patient management, operatory set up and clean up. 
• Maintains an organized inventory of dental equipment and supplies; orders additional equipment and supplies when needed through Dental Administration.    Enters data into electronic dental record and scans documents into the data storage system for electronic health records; may index electronic dental records. 
• Creates a favorable, positive work environment; identifies and responds to customer and co-worker needs in a courteous, professional, respectful and timely manner. 
• Demonstrates sensitivity, tolerance and respect to diversity issues/concerns and for others. 
• Consistently meets department and corporate attendance standards. 
• Consistently manages time effectively to ensure timely completion of assigned duties. 
• Works as a team player 
• Demonstrates flexibility in dealing with changing work demands. 
• Expands abilities professionally and seeks new ways of improving services; initiates own learning opportunities. 
• Has access to confidential information.  Complies at all times with HIPAA regulations.  Follows or takes appropriate procedures to protect and keep information confidential. 
• Participates in a minimum of two H.O.P.E. events totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually; occasional evenings or weekends may be required to assist with health fairs or other departmental/organizational activities and special events.
• Participates in public health emergency preparedness exercises and in the response to public health emergencies, as directed; must complete NIMS training 100 and 700. 
• Reads, has knowledge of and complies with all Personnel Policies and Procedures as established by Health and Hospital Corporation. 
• Reads, acknowledges and complies with dental department quality assurance/improvement policies and procedures in accordance with the ADA, OSHA, CDC, State of Indiana and MCPHD guidelines, regulations or statutes.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• May answer the clinic phone, schedule patients, verify insurance eligibility. 
• May transport supplies to/from the Hasbrook Building to/from dental clinics. 
• May be assigned or need to travel to any MCPHD dental clinic, site or Smile Mobile. 

Qualifications

• Specialized education/training in dental assisting, normally acquired through and up to 18 months
• Documentation of Dental Assistant Training  
• 1 year of previous experience
• Current Dental Radiograph certification with the State of Indiana
• Documentation of Expanded Functions for Dental Auxiliaries if functioning as an expanded functions dental assistant
• Current CPR certification
• Valid Indiana drivers’ license and reliable transportation

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with members of various socio-economic groups
• Ability to interact effectively and tactfully in complex, uncertain, and stressful situations with patients, personnel, and the public 
• Ability to respond accurately and rapidly to crisis situations, maintaining a controlled atmosphere under pressure
   

Working Enviornment

• Unconfined sitting: 20%
• Confined sitting: 40%
• Standing or walking: 40%
• Steady use of hands or fingers: 70%
• Bend, lift, carry, etc. with arms and legs: 40%