Dental Assistant II - Adams

Benefits: medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, extended sick time, tuition reimbursement, 403(b), retirement plan.

Posted on:
Mar 02, 2026

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This position works as part of a team with the Dentist, dental hygienist and front office staff to make the dental site efficient. The position will receive and prepare patients for dental treatments and provide assistance to the Dentist in rendering dental services.

• Handle instruments and other materials to dentist during procedures
• Follow OSHA guidelines and patient confidentiality practices
• Work as part of a team with dentist, students, hygienist and front office
• Take patient x-rays of teeth
• Use suction and swabs to keep patient mouths clear and dry during procedures
• Apply topical anesthetic to patient mouths
• Organize and prepare instruments for dental appointments
• Sterilize dental instruments and equipment for each patient
• Obtain and record accurate dental record information and update medical history
• Dental charting
• Advise patients on oral health
• Assist dental hygienist
• Take impressions of mouths and pour models
• Complete lab slips and communicate with the labs
• Make temporary crowns

• Scheduling dental patient appointments
• Collect and record dental patient payments
• Triage patient dental care needs
• Complete inventory and order dental supplies and work orders

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Any one of the following categories below:

• Six (6 months) of work experience in dental assisting comparable to that performed at the Dental Assistant I level of this series.
• Graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting School.
• Current Certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board, if required by the employing institution.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's)

• Knowledge and techniques needed in dental procedures and medicine pertaining to dental assistance (e.g., knowledge of four-handed dentistry).
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of computers to input data, access information, and/or create materials and documents using a variety of clinical software applications.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to perform functions of administrative and clerical procedures managing files and records, designing forms, and managing inventory.
• Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Skill in interpersonal verbal and written communication.
• Ability to build rapport with patients.
• Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Ability to remain continuously on task for several hours while sitting, standing, or moving.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when speaking with patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures; communicate appropriately and positively to guide and re-assure patients.

Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date
.

If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr recruitment or call  Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.

Pre-employment background screenings required.