Job Details

Dental Assistant / Patient Representative

Hybrid Full Time Staff. Parkersburg, WV, US. Salary Range: $15.00 - $18.00 Hourly.

Position Title: Dental Assistant / Patient Representative Hybrid Position Reports to: Dental Coordinator and/or Supervisor in Charge

Job Statement/Summary:

* Provides quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and other staff in a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties.

* Affects the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients and patient information, including taking and processing x-rays.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities of the Position:

• Assist to ensure all patients enjoy a positive experience and are treated with the care and compassion expected.
• Ensure all patient records and related documents are managed and maintained timely, accurately, and consistent with all HIPAA and related regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Ensure compliance and attention to all corporate policies and procedures.
• Affect favorable billing and collection outcomes by helping to ensure all patient services and billing information is collected and submitted timely and accurately.
• Uphold and consistently represent the values and mission of the organization at all times.
• Always represent the organization in a highly professional manner helping to ensure high quality, efficient dental care at each visit.
• Interacts harmoniously and effectively with others, focusing upon the attainment of organizational goals and objectives through a commitment to teamwork.
• Enhances public image of the program and agency through professional conduct and appearance.
• Prepare and maintain the dental equipment, sterilizing instruments, setting up instrument trays, stocking rooms and lab, preparing materials, and assisting with procedures.
• Updates and maintains dental records in EHR.
• Participate in maintaining dental supply inventory.
• Prepares patients for dental work, collecting and recording medical and dental histories and patient vital signs.
• Records treatment information in patient records.
• Assists dentists chairside during procedures assisting with instruments, materials and anticipating needs.
• Assists dentists in managing medical and dental emergencies when necessary per competency and scope of practice.
• Provides proper suction during dental procedures.
• Provides postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist.
• Implements and processes X-rays of patients (e.g., panoramic, periapical, and bitewing).
• Prepares dental x-rays from dental diagnostics and cares for dental x-ray equipment.
• Fabricates, adjusts, inserts, and cements temporary restorations and custom impressions from preliminary impressions.
• Processes and maintains lab work for the dentist and alerts dentist of abnormal results.
• Forms preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
• Adjusts full and partial dentures.
• Advises patients on recommended oral health care, including plaque control programs, dental hygiene, etc.
• Demonstrates knowledge of dentistry procedures and complies with OSHA regulations of all safety, cleaning, sterilization, and infection control requirements.
• Complies with all safety rules, incident reporting policies and protocols.
• Reports all accidents, regardless of severity, immediately to the Dentist, Dental Coordinator and or Chief Quality Officer.
• Abides by the organization's compliance program and requirements.
• Stays current on all required training.
• A dental assistant may also be required to provide support for or work as a patient representative as directed by management.
• The dental assistant may be asked to perform the following tasks: Check patients in/out, collect patients fees, enter patient registration, insurance and other necessary patient documentation, make return appointments per protocols established. Interact with patients, vendors, and business representatives one on one and via telephone in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Verify patient insurance eligibility. Call patients to remind them of their appointments per policy. Use EHR and maintain knowledge of any changes or upgrades, enter charges, diagnosis per provider directive, and post patient payments into EHR daily. Have knowledge of dental insurance processes and be able to calculate patient out of pocket or predetermined expenses. Submit insurance pre-authorizations and ensure follow up. Coordinate specialist referrals. Maintain accurate money exchanges at all times. Record messages in accurate manner on appropriate forms and forward to recipient in a timely manner. Write up deposit and deliver to designee daily. Utilize telephone systems/features for effective operations. Performs other duties as assigned by the dental coordinator or management.

Job Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:

Competencies; Electronic Health Record; Computers; Patient Care in a Dental Practice; HIPAA Compliance; Clinical Sterilization; Dental Equipment, Instruments, and X-ray Machines; OSHA and Safety Regulations; Professionalism; Collaboration; Communication; Written and Verbal Communication; Education (level and type) and Related Work Experience: Graduate of an accredited dental assistant and/or 1-2 years of experience as a chair side Dental Assistant preferred, along with CPR certification. Minimum requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. Professional Growth & Development: Employer believes our employees should continually develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities. All employees are expected to participate in Employer-sponsored professional development activities (e.g., education programs, in-service meetings, training workshops, coaching, etc.) and remain current in their role capacity through individual development activities (e.g., reading current literature, participating in webinars, attending local and/or regional workshops, etc.). Safety & Health: Employees are expected to follow Employer safety and health policies.

Disclaimer: This is not an all-inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties, and responsibilities to this job at any time.