Dental Assistant​/Registered Dental Assistant - Montcalm Area Health Center

Cherry Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Dental Assistant provides essential support in performing chair‑side four‑handed dentistry to ensure quality care and treatment for patients. The role includes assisting the dentist with patient procedures, preparing treatment areas, sterilizing instruments, maintaining a safe, aseptic environment, taking x‑rays, preparing materials, and educating patients on oral hygiene.

• Take blood pressure readings and record necessary data.
• Adhere to Universal Precautions for safety and hygiene.
• Receive and prepare patients for dental treatment.
• Mix dental materials as required during procedures.
• Record patient data as directed by the dentist or supervisor.
• Assist with instrument transfers during dental procedures.
• Take alginate impressions and perform fluoride treatments.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instructions.
• Prepare treatment trays and ensure the operatory is ready for procedures.
• Sterilize and maintain instruments, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.
• Ensure an aseptic environment and universal precautions throughout the operatory.
• Monitor and manage supplies, ordering as necessary.
• Take dental x‑rays, ensuring proper certification and adherence to standards.
• Perform oral evacuation during procedures.
• Pour and trim models for dental impressions.
• Prepare anesthetic syringes and assist with injections when required.
• Translate for patients in other languages when applicable.
• Assist in dental procedures performed in a hospital operating room after required orientation and training.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification as required.
• Effective communication with patients of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Teamwork and collaboration with other dental professionals.
• Adherence to the organizational mission and values.
• Ability to perform essential functions with minimal supervision and high attention to detail.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proof of radiology competency required by the State of Michigan.
• Prefer previous dental chairside experience.
• Must pass an annual skills assessment by the supervisor.

The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this role and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family.
• Generous Paid Time Off – 4 weeks per year for full‑time employees.
• Paid holidays – 8 full day paid holidays (including Black Friday) and 2 half day paid holidays.
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match – $ for $ match up to 5%.
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans.
• Pet Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.