Dental Assistant

About the role

Primary function: To assist the Dental Director, Dentists, Dental Residents, and Dental Hygienist in the care and treatment of patients, and to perform duties as receptionist, chair-side assisting, inventory, sterilization, charting, and record keeping. Join the Malama I Ke Ola Health Center Team! Team‑based work environment with a 90‑day introductory period.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain charts, records, logs, and reports
• Assist in obtaining prior authorizations for selective Medicaid (QUEST) procedures and other insurance as required
• Complete and maintain dental laboratory forms (maintain all dental lab slips for a minimum of two (2) years, send all cases to the lab, notify patient when appliance is ready, pour and disinfect dental impressions, etc.)
• Know and follow all established infection control guidelines and OSHA standards; participate in related staff training events as requested
• Keep operatories stocked and inventoried with appropriate equipment, dental supplies, and patient forms
• Inventory, monitor and maintain dental supplies, equipment (compressor, sterilizer, radiographic developing equipment, evacuator system, etc.), medications and reorder as necessary
• Provide radiology services: expose and process dental images, maintain and update radiation safety program annually, maintain and monitor all dosimeter badges
• Document in‑patient chart and maintain strict patient confidentiality
• Act as a patient advocate to provide care within CCM guidelines, which may change based on third‑party payor policies and patient benefit restrictions
• Assist in compiling statistics for presentation to staff, board members, community members, and funding agencies
• Adhere to CCM’s Employee Handbook and the Dental Services Policies and Procedures
• Cross‑train to perform both front desk and clinical duties as assigned
• Verify insurance coverage or, when applicable, sliding‑fee plan and communicate with dental patients about payment options; follow established procedures to collect payment in cash, checks, and credit cards
• Attend and participate in meetings, committees, and training sessions as directed by the Dental Director
• Assist dental providers with chair‑side treatment and procedures (amalgams, composites, oral surgery, endodontics, prophylaxis, sealants, stainless steel crowns, space maintainers, removal prosthodontics, etc.)
• Prepare and set up instruments (date all sterilized instruments, ultrasonic clean, sterilize all appropriate instruments)
• Actively assist with routine clinic tasks; utilize established methods to ensure consistency in maintaining inventory, equipment, and appropriate operatory room inventory
• Provide radiology services: expose and process dental images, maintain and update radiation safety program annually
• Perform all duties allowed by the State Board of Medical Examiners: topical fluoride application, topical anesthetic application, etc.
• Perform efficiently in stressful situations by seeking guidance, informing appropriate persons, and documenting events in a timely and professional manner
• Participate in self‑development activities
• Participate in quality improvement activities
• Demonstrate a cooperative team approach in activities

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Current CPR Certification
• Higher education in a related field preferred
• One year experience as a Dental Assistant
• Knowledge of examination, diagnostic and treatment room procedures
• Skill in assisting with a variety of dental treatments and medications as directed
• Skill in maintaining records accurately and in a timely manner
• Skill or ability to learn dental software
• Skill to follow oral and written instructions, balance multiple tasks, prioritize tasks and complete assignments on time, communicate clearly, problem solve, maintain quality control standards, safety standards, and read, write and understand the English language
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• TB clearance within the previous 12 months required

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance, short & long‑term disability, and 403(b) Retirement Plan, FSA, and other voluntary benefits
• Vacation, Holiday and Sick Benefits