Dental Assistant

Application Instructions

Send your interest to PHCHR with a Cover Letter, Resume, a copy of your Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) certification, your BLS certification, a certificate showing completion of a Dental Assistant program (if applicable), and a valid MT Driver’s License. Applications missing required documents will be disqualified. Without RHS certification, a Sterilization Technician position at reduced pay may be considered.

Perform dental assistant duties in a dental clinic for Partnership Health Center (PHC) and satellite clinic locations. PHC, located in Missoula, MT, offers integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to over 18,000 individuals and families. Missoula is an academic center situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, providing a scenic environment for outdoor recreation.

• Seat patients, review medical history, and prepare patients for dental work.
• Arrange appropriate dental instruments and materials for patient treatment.
• Assist the Dentist and Dental Hygienist in performing needed services, including placing or removing rubber dam, applying topical drugs, placing or removing celluloid or metallic strips, and providing suction/evacuation.
• Assist in taking and developing X‑ray films.
• Provide patient education regarding treatment rendered.
• Sterilize, clean, and maintain dental instruments and equipment.
• Assist clerical support in scheduling patient appointments.
• Help maintain dental supply inventories.
• Assist in maintaining patient charts, progress notes, and records.
• Perform related work as required or directed.

• Works under the supervision of the Dental Director, Dental Hygienist Supervisor, or designee.
• Supervision exercised:
  None.

Has numerous contacts with dental patients, healthcare providers, and other employees.

• Working knowledge of dental office and chair‑side dental assisting practices, procedures and techniques.
• Working knowledge of dental terminology and charting practices.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of dental health promotion and prevention.
• Basic knowledge of Federal and OSHA regulations for dental clinics.
• Working knowledge of HIPAA compliance and PHC Corporate Compliance Guidelines.
• Skill in the use of dental tools, x‑ray equipment, and related instruments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to keep a current BLS certification and to work effectively in a dynamic clinic environment.
• Ability to motivate patients to maintain proper dental care and to prepare and maintain charts and reports.

• High school graduation or GED.
• Current RHS certification.
• Current BLS certification or ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire.
• Completion of a Dental Assistant training program is desired.
• Experience as a Dental Assistant is desired.
• Without RHS certification, a Sterilization Technician position at reduced pay may be considered.

• Requires immunizations or proof of immunity to certain infectious diseases and a TB test.
• New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status for required vaccines upon hire and will receive assistance during hiring to receive necessary immunizations.
• Employees who have not received the vaccines required for their positions or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safety of any person.

• Work requires lifting supply boxes up to 30 pounds.
• Risk of exposure to radiation from X‑ray film development.
• Risk of exposure to biohazards (blood, disinfectants) and communicable diseases.
• Work is performed walking or standing for much of the time; may require traveling to satellite clinic locations.
• May include regular nights and weekends, including Saturday clinic; not eligible for remote work.