Dental Assistant

Position Summary

Supports dental care delivery by preparing the treatment room for patients following prescribed procedures and protocols. Welcomes, comforts, seats, and drapes patients. Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to the treatment area, positioning instruments for the dentist’s access, suctioning, and passing instruments. Assists in educating patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions.

• Assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Takes digital radiographs (via computer/sensors)
• Asks about the patient’s medical history and takes blood pressure and pulse
• Serves as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocols and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment in accordance with Joint Commission and OSHA standards
• Follows Charles Drew Health Center’s HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
• Helps patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Provides patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of restorations
• Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health (e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling) under the supervision of a dentist
• Takes impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts (models of teeth)
• Performs office management tasks that often require the use of a computer
• Communicates with patients (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, treatment follow‑up, and billing)
• Communicates with Dental Office Administrator regarding inventory/ordering dental supplies and equipment maintenance
• Helps to provide direct patient care in all dental specialties, including pediatric dentistry and oral surgery
• Candidate should be flexible and willing to work at other locations as scheduled
• Candidate should be available to work some evenings and weekends as scheduled
• Other duties as assigned by Senior Dental Director or Dental Office Administrator

• Education:
  
  H.S. diploma or equivalency; graduate of an accredited dental assistant program preferred
• Licensure: CPR & AED certification and certification in coronal polishing and radiology required or completion within 6 months of hire
• Experience:
  
  Ability to chart, proficiency in reading and entering data in EDR, proficiency in basic computer skills, written dictation ability, customer service skills required, and preferred one year dental assisting experience
• Language:
  English or bilingual
• Hours of work: 30-40 hours per week; working hours may vary depending on organization and dental clinic needs
• Travel:
  Flexible to travel to other Charles Drew dental clinic sites as needed
• Extended work hours as needed or upon approval

Entry level

Full-time

Health Care Provider