Dental Assistant

About the Role

The Dental Assistant supports the Director of Dentistry, Staff Dentist, and Dental Hygienist in delivering patient care, maintaining records, and performing administrative tasks at Johnson Health Center (JHC).

Responsibilities

• Assists the Dentist and Dental Hygienist with chairside duties, including seating patients and preparing instrumentation and materials for treatment.
• Educates patients on dental disease prevention, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and home care.
• Serves as a liaison for patients via telephone regarding medical and dental issues.
• Consults with the dentist and healthcare team to facilitate communication among clinical and non-clinical staff.
• Performs clinical duties:
  • Prepares patients for treatment, including updating medical and dental histories and recording vital signs.
  • Prepares instrumentation and materials for dental procedures.
  • Assists in patient examinations and treatments, providing education on oral hygiene and diet.
  • Provides post-operative instructions as prescribed.
  • Performs direct patient care as prescribed, including:
    • Obtaining diagnostic digital X-rays (bitewings, periapical films, panorex).
    • Performing dental prophylaxis, applying fluoride varnish, and placing dental sealants.
    • Administering topical anesthesia and removing sutures.
  • Assists in medical or dental emergencies.
  • Cleans and sterilizes instruments, including operating autoclaves and maintaining sterilization records.
  • Maintains operatory cleanliness and stock, including ordering supplies and adhering to OSHA standards.
  • Cleans suction lines, traps, and equipment on a scheduled basis.
  • Manages clinic waste disposal.
• Acts as a liaison to convey medical and dental information between patients and providers during clinic visits and phone conversations.
• Assists with the school dental program in preparation and implementation.
• Performs administrative duties:
  • Updates treatment notes and charts for patient records.
  • Assists with front office procedures, including patient check-in, payments, and appointment scheduling.
  • Supports school program coordination, marketing, data collection, and preparation.
• Participates in performance improvement activities, including staff meetings and the JHC Quality Improvement program.
• Adheres to safety and infection control protocols, including OSHA guidelines and JHC policies.
• Engages in community outreach activities as determined by JHC.
• Demonstrates commitment to JHC’s core values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, and Teamwork.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently as part of a fast-paced team.
• Proficiency in operating office equipment (computer, copier, fax) and relevant software programs.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with staff and patients.
• Ability to multitask with varied and unrelated duties.
• Commitment to JHC’s mission and core values, treating all patients and staff with dignity and respect.
• Physical ability to:
  • Lift and exert force up to 35 pounds occasionally.
  • Perform tasks requiring speaking, sitting, bending, walking, standing, hearing, stooping, kneeling, and repetitive motion.
• Willingness to travel to other offices as needed.
• Adherence to JHC’s Code of Conduct and infection control policies, including OSHA high-risk protocols.