Position Description

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public heal th.

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

• This position is funded by Charity Care with an anticipated end date of 2030*
  
  
  

Position Overview

The Dental Client Service Specialist supports patient care services provided by the Dental Clinic. The Dental Client Service Specialist is responsible for performing clinical tasks in accordance with all Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and Dental Program protocols. This position will work with the clinical team to create and maintain efficient, patient-centered daily clinic operations while providing comprehensive public health services to all Harris County Public Health Dental Clinic patients seeking dental services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Receives, screens, interviews client for eligibility determination, and registers clients; Co-pay collection, and receipt creation following financial services guidelines; prepares daily/weekly financial reconciliation report for submission to finance.
• Performs all duties required as part of four handed chairside dental assisting; takes and records vital signs; takes prescribed dental radiographs and/or intraoral photographs; chart patient diagnoses in Dentrix electronic dental record as dictated by dentist.
• Answers telephone inquiries from clients and others; screen calls to determine nature and urgency of inquiry, refers calls as appropriate, and/or schedules appointment with dental clinical staff; instructs patient as needed regarding visit-type; confirms scheduled appointments and updates appointment status in Dentrix electronic record.
• Performs operatory set-up for each dental patient including barrier placement on high touch areas; procedure set up including instrument and dental material selection according to planned procedure.
• Obtains patient histories, and insurance approvals as appropriate, prepares and updates dental charts and associated records; scans all correspondence into Dentrix electronic record.
• Performs infection control and instrument sterilization according to dental policies and procedures; performs weekly biologic monitoring for autoclaves; performs daily, weekly and monthly dental preventive maintenance; reports any equipment malfunction or repair needs to supervising dentist.
• Performs in-operatory support for all dental staff during the dental visit as needed.
• Provides oral hygiene and post-operative instructions to patient under the guidance of the dentist.
• Participate in school based and community events to promote oral health.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected]

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• High School diploma or GED equivalency
  
  
  

Experience:

• At least six (6) months experience in a dental clinical setting as a dental assistant.
  
  
  

Licensure/Certification:

• Must have a valid Driver’s License (TX upon hire)
• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
• Texas Registered Dental Assistant
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work well with public and staff members
• Must use your personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process
  
  
  

Core Competencies:

Organizational Leadership

• Understands the organizational mission
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
  
  
  

Collaboration

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
  
  
  

Innovation

• Ability to adapt to change
  
  
  

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
• Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
• Uses sound judgment
• Self-motivated
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
  
  
  

Communication

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
  
  
  

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications .

Preferences

Language:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
  
  
  

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time | Charity Care, an anticipated end date of 2030
• Monday – Friday | 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m
• However, times may vary due to the variability of an event-based schedule
• Other days and hours as necessary
  
  

Work Environment:

• This job operates in both a clinical environment as well as in alternative community-based settings including mobile dental events in different locations throughout Harris County.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and scanners.
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Must possess the physical ability and manual dexterity to assist the dentist and dental hygienist with direct patient care in a dental clinical setting.
  
  
  

Work Location:

• Must be willing to travel to work at multiple locations within Harris County, including:
• Pasadena
• Humble
• Baytown
• Mobile Dental program - locations throughout Harris County (mobile van)
• School Based programs - schools throughout Harris County
  
  
  

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.