Dental Assistant

Job Summary: The Dental Assistant 2 (DA2) at Eastern Washington University’s Department of Dental Hygiene Clinic reports to the Chair and Operations Manager. This 10‑month, fully in‑person position involves specialized clerical and technical duties to coordinate patient support services and maintain clinic operations.

• Greet and facilitate visitors, patients, vendors, prospective students, and current students.
• Answer telephones, triage calls, obtain necessary information, take messages, and update automated messages.
• Communicate financial arrangements, insurance coverage, billing procedures, and clinic basic services to patients and referral agencies.
• Respond to patient questions, provide directions to clinic and campus facilities, assist with community referrals, and maintain patient confidentiality (HIPAA).
• Use email etiquette when communicating with patients, faculty, staff, and students.
• Coordinate patient scheduling: assess patient condition, schedule new and return appointments, obtain authorization, complete documentation, enter appointment data in the electronic dental record, and manage cancellations and reschedules.
• Coordinate interpreters for non‑English speaking patients.
• Initiate and maintain electronic patient records, referrals, and special forms.
• Check in patients: take photo, verify eligibility and benefits, create insurance plans, and send claims.
• Check out patients, collect fee payments, and process receipts.
• Provide student orientation to front office protocols.
• Maintain a current list of dental patients seeking treatment.
• Transfer patient records and X‑rays using department protocols.
• Assist Operations Manager with daily receipts, credit card processing, and work orders.
• Process and reconcile patient documents, investigate rejected charges, and correct discrepancies.
• Pick up and deliver regular, fax and campus post office mail daily.
• Develop and update clinic forms and department correspondence.
• Provide training to students and faculty on electronic health record system use.
• Assist computer users: provide correct log‑on procedures, change passwords, identify basic network issues, and contact appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Maintain a clean, neat, professional working and personal appearance.
• Maintain a warm, pleasant, helpful, and positive attitude in all interactions.
• Perform duties assigned by the Department Chair or Operations Manager.

• At least two years’ experience as a dental assistant or in a patient‑contact role in a dental clinic setting.
• Current Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) registered with the Washington State Department of Health.
• Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Proficient in MS Word with intermediate to advanced word processing skills.
• Demonstrated interest, ability and/or experience promoting cultural competency, universal accessibility, or diversity.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Responsive, flexible approach supportive of diverse needs (students, faculty, staff, and the public).

• More than two years’ experience as described above.
• Experience with third‑party billing of dental procedures.
• Knowledge of dental terminology.

• Salary $43,010 to $49,820 (10‑month prorated).
• Comprehensive benefits including health, disability, and retirement insurance.
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 13 paid holidays per year.
• Tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members.
• Discounted university sports tickets.
• Access to campus workout facilities.
• Free transportation via STA buses.

Regular schedule Monday‑Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Fully in‑person; onsite during regular business operations.

Eastern Washington University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, veteran status, hepatitis C, disability, or use of service animals, as required by law.

Applicants must pass a background check, be authorized to work in the United States, and comply with the university’s immunization policy. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.