Dental Assistant - Engebretsen Dental Clinic

Dental Assistant – Engebretsen Dental Clinic

Primary Health Care, Inc (PHC)

We are seeking a Dental Assistant to provide quality care and services to patients by assisting dentists and staff in patient care, office, and laboratory duties in accordance with all policies, procedures and regulations. You will impact the efficiency and productivity of patient flow through timely, accurate and professional preparation of patients and patient information.

This position typically works at PHC Engebretsen Dental Clinic in Des Moines, Monday – Thursday 7 AM – 5 PM. Our team members are occasionally needed to cover other shifts or to work at other PHC clinics in Ames, Des Moines, and Marshalltown. Mileage reimbursement and/or an out‑of‑town travel bonus may apply.

• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to welcome patients to a safe and inclusive environment and to engage patients in holistic care.
• No evenings or weekends with one weekday off.
• We sponsor high‑performing Dental Assistants to train for the expanded functions certification.
• We also encourage continuing education by offering one day of paid time annually for training as well as continuing education reimbursement for full‑time Dental Assistants.
• Earn four weeks of PTO throughout your first year of employment and enjoy paid holidays as well.

• Facilitate positive patient experiences in the dental clinic while ensuring efficient and productive patient flow.
• Prepare operatory procedure set‑up and materials for patient visit.
• Greet and establish rapport with patients, ensuring they are treated with care and compassion throughout the visit.
• Collect and record patient blood pressure, pulse, and health history.
• Collect and submit all patient services and billing information.
• Assist the care provider and support the patient in the provision of optimal comprehensive care, before, during, and after procedures.
• Complete dental x‑rays in compliance with regulatory codes.
• Minimize risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients by applying proper procedures.
• Support the laboratory by pouring and trimming study models.
• Perform direct patient care as delegated by the dentist.
• Instruct patients and family members on general oral health care and post‑treatment care.
• Ensure services and patient education align with patients’ age and physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and cultural needs.
• Prepare and maintain dental instruments, materials, and equipment; maintain equipment‑maintenance documents and instrument/supply inventory.
• Perform pre‑cleaning and transport of contaminated instruments and may perform sterile processing as assigned.
• Complete and maintain patient records and related documents in compliance with all regulations.
• Provide backup support for front‑desk staff as needed.

• Completion of an accredited dental assisting program or equivalent training meeting Iowa Dental Board requirements.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn different software and database systems.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail‑oriented with high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrates professionalism with the ability to remain calm in all situations and show empathy.
• Current QDA Registration through the Iowa Dental Board.
• Mandatory Reporter Training:
  Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the Iowa.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers Certification.
• Must obtain the above licenses and certifications during the introductory period if not current.

Your experience and skills determine your base pay. PHC also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous PTO accrual.
• License/certification fee reimbursement*.
• Paid time off for continuing education & continuing education reimbursement*.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Medical insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life & disability insurance.
• Flexible spending & health savings accounts.
• Supplemental accident & critical illness insurance.
• Discounted pet insurance.

Visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). a summary of PHC’s benefits.

We take pride in offering development and growth opportunities to our team. Some of our training opportunities include Emerging Leaders, Dental Assistant Trainee Program, and Medical Assistant Trainee Program. In the last year, over 30% of our open positions were filled through promotions or transfers.

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• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Health Care Provider
• Hospitals and Health Care