Dental Assistant (66543)

At CrescentCare, we bring caregivers and the community together as partners in health and wellness for all. Our experience builds on more than 40 years of impact through our founding organization, NO/AIDS Task Force. In 2014, we became a Federally Qualified Health Center to offer an expanded range of health and wellness services for anyone and everyone who is seeking healthcare services in Greater New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana.

Our Mission

Strengthening our entire community through whole-person healthcare and education.

Position Summary

A part time position, the CrescentCare Dental Assistant supports dental care delivery to our clients by preparing treatment rooms, patients, instruments and materials.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.

Serves as dentist or dental hygienists chair-side assistant.

Prepares operatory for patient treatment per the Ready To Work Protocol also contained in this manual.

Exposes and develops dental radiographs in accordance with state regulations and law as well as Dental Department directive and protocol.

Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol.

Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer's directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.

Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.

Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.

Maintains a list of all Dental Department patients, monitors patient flow, assists the Dental Director, Dentist(s) and Dental Hygienist(s) in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed and filed.

Pulls and files patient charts as required.

Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the Dental Department.

Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits.

Ensures the sterility of all reusable dental instruments and equipment in accordance with Dental Department directive and protocol.

Ensures the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with Dental Department directive, center policy as well as state and federal regulations(s).

Performs all functions in full compliance with the centers and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.

Participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.

Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.

As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.

Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to the participation of a Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.