Dental Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

About Company:

About Company:

We are a local community-based health organization that aims to be an incarnation of love, peace and justice by guiding our patients through their journey toward physical, mental and social well-being, and to be a center for transformational medical education and primary care training in a rural and international context, modeling and exhorting the next generation of medical professionals in a career of excellence, conscientiousness and compassion.

Our mission statement flows from our affirmation that our purpose is to love God and show His glory by walking in the steps of Jesus and ministering the love of Christ.

Cahaba Medical Care is a Community Health Center (FQHC), accredited as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and Joint Commission. We have locations throughout central Alabama serving Bibb, Perry, Chilton, Shelby, Wilcox, and Jefferson Counties. Our health centers provide comprehensive primary care services, including treatment and management of chronic and acute diseases; preventative care and cancer screenings; pediatric care; women’s health services; prenatal care and obstetrics; dermatological services; geriatrics; sports medicine services; mental healthcare; dental services and much more.

SERVING THE UNDERINSURED & UNINSURED

"From the time we opened in 2004 we made the decision to never turn away a patient due to inability to pay. We have held to our promise even when unemployment in the area went from 3% to 15% and more patients found themselves without insurance.” —Dr. John Waits

Cahaba Medical Care provides high-quality health services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay by offering a discounted, sliding fee schedule based on income and family size. While this has been the mission of the clinic since its founding, our capabilities have continued to develop and grow through our designation as a nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). As an FQHC, we are stewards of annual federal funding that allows us to enhance our services to those without insurance and to those facing hardship - whether medical, social, financial or emotional.

About the Role:

As a Dental Assistant at Birmingham Dental, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our dental practice and the comfort of our patients. Your primary responsibility will be to assist the dentist during various procedures, ensuring that all necessary instruments and materials are prepared and sterilized. You will also be responsible for maintaining a clean and organized work environment, adhering to strict infection control protocols. Additionally, you will engage with patients, providing them with information about their treatments and addressing any concerns they may have. Ultimately, your contributions will enhance the overall patient experience and support the delivery of high-quality dental care.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a dental assistant program or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in dental radiography.
• Experience with Dentrix or similar dental practice management software.
• CPR certification.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the dentist during examinations and procedures by handing over instruments and materials as needed.
• Prepare and sterilize dental instruments and equipment in accordance with infection control protocols.
• Take and develop dental radiographs (X-rays) as directed by the dentist.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-operative care to promote better dental health.
• Maintain accurate patient records and manage appointment scheduling using Dentrix software.

Skills:

The required skills of dental assisting and dental terminology will be utilized daily as you interact with both the dentist and patients, ensuring clear communication and efficient workflow. Your knowledge of sterilization and infection control will be critical in maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff, as you will be responsible for preparing and cleaning instruments. Compassion is essential in your role, as you will often be the first point of contact for patients, helping to ease their anxieties and providing support throughout their visit. Proficiency in body motion will aid you in assisting the dentist effectively during procedures, ensuring that you can anticipate their needs. Familiarity with Dentrix will enhance your ability to manage patient records and appointments, contributing to the overall efficiency of the practice.