Lead Dental Assistant

Job Details

Level
:
Experienced

Job Location
:
Milwaukie Dental Clinic - Milwaukie, OR 97222

Position Type
:
Full Time

Education Level
:
Vocational Certificate

Salary Range
: $25.02 - $35.05 Hourly

Job Shift
:
Day

Job Category
:
Nonprofit - Social Services

Neighborhood Health Center is a non‑profit organization local to Portland, OR serving underserved patients in the areas of primary care, internal medicine, dental services and more. Our patient‑centered approach to care honors the unique needs and circumstances of each individual patient. NHC sees people, not problems, and recognizes that the time spent as a patient in a doctors office is only one factor in a persons overall health.

Our leading edge, integrated clinical teams work in partnership with patients, their families, and the communities we serve to provide whole‑person care, prevention, and ongoing support.

NHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate differences in the workplace and do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

• We are a non‑profit organization, passionate about providing the underserved population with medical and dental services across the greater Portland area, committed to making a difference daily.
• We offer our employees a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes 20 days of PTO (based on full time employment), 9 paid holidays, health/dental/vision insurance, quarterly wellness reimbursements, generous 401k retirement plan with employer match, employer paid disability insurance, EAP and life insurance.
• Our employees voted NHC a Top Workplace in 2020, 2021, , and 2024!

Job Title: Lead Dental Assistant (X-Ray/EFDA/Sealant)
Department: Dental
Reports To: Dental Clinic Manager
Work Type: On‑Site
Classification: Full‑Time, Non‑Exempt
Language Differential: Eligible

Under the direction and support of the Dental Clinic Manager, the Lead Dental Assistant will assist in overseeing and coordinating day‑to‑day dental clinic activities, staff, and operations. This position will staff as a Dental Assistant providing direct chairside support to Dentists and/or Hygienists in the delivery of dental care and service at Neighborhood Health Center at least 50% of the time.

• Monitors daily clinical workflow of front and back‑office team.
• Trains newly hired dental assistants and front desk staff on workflows.
• Orders and tracks inventory for all dental supplies for assigned clinic.
• Monitors OSHA compliance and safety data sheets for assigned clinic, bringing any safety issues to attention of the Dental Clinic Manager.
• Supports the Dental Clinic Manager in handling staffing levels, adjusting the coverage as needed.
• Works with staff members to address employee relation concerns as they arise with a problem‑solving approach, escalating any major or ongoing circumstances to the Dental Clinic Manager.
• Monitors all equipment and emergency supplies, informing Dental Clinic Manager when maintenance is needed.
• Research patient questions regarding billing, as needed.
• Collaborates with other clinic leads as needed.
• Provides patients and their families with instruction on oral hygiene, oral disease prevention and post‑operative instructions, including anticipated next steps and appointment information.
• Sets up operatories and portable unit equipment and ensures that instruments, supplies, and equipment are immediately available for patient care.
• Obtains and enters patient information into electronic dental record, including chief complaint, health history, medications, allergies, vitals, patient pain level
• Provides direct clinical assistance to dentists and dental hygienists by performing 4‑handed dentistry, including passing instruments for operative and oral surgery procedures and mixing filling and medicinal materials.
• Performs expanded duty functions, including child and adult rubber cup oral prophylaxis.
• Places temporary restorative material in teeth under the direction and review…