Dental Assistant

Primary Purpose Of Position

We have a full-time opening for a Dental Assistant for our Peabody Family Health Center. Reporting to the Dental Operations Manager, the Dental Assistant works chairside in the dental clinics under the direction of dental providers to assist in the provision of dental services.

Essential Functions

• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Provides the patient with proper consent forms before treatment.
• Obtains and records vitals, including blood pressure.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping the patient.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering non-clinical questions and requests.
• Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to the treatment area, positioning instruments for the dentist's access, suctioning, and passing instruments.
• Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments.
• Complies with all infection control procedures and OSHA regulations to maintain a safe and clean working environment by decontaminating treatment rooms and sterilizing all instruments after each use.
• Provides diagnostic information to the provider by exposing radiographs, pouring, trimming study casts.
• Keeps the operatory and other clinical areas clean and well-stocked.
• Aids the dentist in managing dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Educates patients by giving postoperative instructions.
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records.
• Collaborates with the Dental team to maintain operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Schedules accurate dental appointments.
• Provides exemplary customer service; treats patients and coworkers with courtesy and discretion.
• Maintains good standing with DA license. Earn 12 credits per 2-year cycle. Records of credits to be given directly to DOM.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A minimum of a High School Diploma/GED.
• Dental Assistant and Radiology Certificate required.
• Three years' experience as a dental assistant.
• Bilingual in Spanish/Portuguese and English is a plus.
• Good working knowledge of dental equipment and terminology, OSHA, and safety compliance.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced dental environment.
• Superior customer service skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized, professional, and able to multitask.
• Good working knowledge of EPIC/WISDOM.
• Maintains strict adherence to the health center's Confidentiality policy.
• Ability to be courteous, efficient, effective, and patient in a fast-paced environment.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts the success of the team above one's own interests.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Maintains a high level of customer service with both patients and coworkers.
• Preference will be given to qualified bilingual/bicultural individuals who can speak Spanish and/or Portuguese.
• Ability to travel to other facility sites for meetings and clinical coverage as needed is required.

Additional Information

We operate service sites at Gloucester, Peabody, and Salem Family Health Centers, ensuring convenient access to care. Additionally, we extends its reach through school-based health centers within the Salem and Peabody School Districts. We collaborates with Bentley Academy, Collins Middle School, Horace Mann School, Bates Elementary School, and the Peabody Learning Academy for behavioral health services.