Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

Bullhook Community Health Center

Bullhook Community Health Center is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Job Title: Dental Assistant
Department: Dental
Supervisor: Lead Dental Assistant
Salary: $30,311 – $43,216 ($14.57–$20.78 per hour)

Assist dentists and dental hygienists in the direct provision of primary care dental services, set up equipment, prepare patients for treatment, sterilize, control inventory, and utilize the electronic health record (EMR).

• Assist patients with minor difficulties, answer their questions, and provide directions as authorized.
• Serve as the dentist’s or hygienist’s chair‑side assistant.
• Prepare the operatory for patient treatment; expose digital radiographs; perform procedures delegated by the dentist; maintain equipment according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Maintain all dental department areas in compliance with protocols and center policies for infection control, exposure control, and safety issues.
• Maintain adequate operatory supplies and compile a list of shortages for inventory control and ordering.
• Maintain a list of all dental department patients, monitor patient flow, and assist in ensuring that all patient records and documents are completed and filed accurately.
• Receive telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business, and patient care of the dental department.
• Assist with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and time permits. Ensure sterility of reusable dental instruments and equipment and proper disposal of contaminated materials.
• Perform all functions in full compliance with the center’s and the dental department Exposure Control Plan, including use of PPE and universal precautions.
• Participate in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on‑site and off‑site as required.
• Perform other related tasks or duties as assigned.
• Team approach: manage patient care as a team involving clinical and non‑clinical staff. Emphasize ongoing communication and patient hand‑off to enhance care.
• All staff are team members. Involve patients, families and caregivers as part of the patient‑centered care.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Complete DANB Dental Assisting National Board’s Dental Radiology Training and achieve Dental Radiology Certification within 6 months of employment.

• Previous experience in a primary health care center setting.
• Certified Dental Assistant recognition.

• Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry.
• Knowledge of modern dental materials, storage, handling, and applications.
• Understanding of patient expectations and concerns, responding empathetically and professionally.
• Ability to work with people from diverse social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
• Creative collaboration with other health care professionals to achieve maximal results in an integrated primary health care system.

None.

Work performed in an office and clinic setting; standing, walking, intermittent sitting; reaching for and using writing instruments and keyboards; reading reports and written materials; extensive phone and oral communication; stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching; lifting up to 30 lb.

Perform duties in the delivery of health services. Hazardous risks include exposure to infected body fluids, sharp instruments, and chemicals, requiring adherence to universal safety precautions.

• National Health Services Corp (NHSC) Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Employer‑Paid Health Insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Flexible Spending Account.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (2 % employer contribution, no minimum employee contribution).
• Vacation:
  • 6.67 hrs/month for the first two years.
  • 10 hrs/month for 3‑6 years.
  • 13.33 hrs/month for 7‑10 years.
  • 16.67 hrs/month for 11+ years.
• Sick leave:
  • 4 hrs/month for the first six months.
  • 8 hrs/month thereafter.
• Holidays – 8 days per year (prorated for less than full‑time).
• AFLAC Insurance available.
• Employee discount on services.
• Employer‑Paid Life Insurance.
• Dental & Vision Insurance options.

Entry level

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Wellness and Fitness Services