Dental Assistant

Full-time position reporting to the site manager and Assistant Site Manager (if applicable), with clinical oversight from the SVP of Dental Services, SVP of Nursing, and Chief Medical Officer.

About the role

The Dental Assistant supports the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in delivering primary care dental services to patients at Zufall Health Center (ZHC). Responsibilities include sterilization, preparation, and inventory control of instruments and supplies.

Responsibilities

• Serves as dentist’s or dental hygienist’s chair-side assistant
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment following ZHC protocols and provider directions
• Assists patients with minor difficulties, answers questions, and provides directions as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist
• Exposes and develops dental radiographs in compliance with state regulations, laws, and ZHC protocols
• Performs independent procedures as delegated by the dentist, adhering to state regulations and ZHC directives
• Maintains dental department equipment per manufacturer instructions and department policy
• Ensures all dental department areas comply with infection control, bloodborne pathogens, exposure control, and safety policies
• Maintains sterility of clinical materials and equipment in accordance with product standards, ZHC infection control policies, AAMI, and The Joint Commission standards
• Manages operatory supplies, tracks shortages, and supports inventory control and ordering
• Monitors patient flow, assists in ensuring accurate and complete patient records, and maintains a list of dental department patients
• Handles work-related telephone calls for clinic business and patient care needs
• Assists with clinical and administrative functions as appropriate
• Properly disposes of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials per ZHC policy and regulations
• Complies with ZHC and Dental Department Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control plan, including use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions
• Participates in health promotion and disease prevention activities on-site and off-site as required
• Travels between sites to meet ZHC needs
• Performs other related tasks as directed to achieve organizational goals
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, local, and ZHC rules, including HIPAA regulations for patient confidentiality
• Conducts routine testing of dental units
• Provides coverage for auxiliary staff during absences, lunch breaks, and late shifts
• Trains new staff, students, interns, and volunteers on equipment use and dental protocols for patient care
• Works in patient intake areas as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry
• Knowledge of modern dental materials, their storage, handling, and applications
• Completion of an accredited dental assisting course preferred
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines
• Collaborates creatively with healthcare professionals from various disciplines to achieve optimal patient outcomes
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English; Spanish fluency required
• Empathetic and professional interaction with patients from diverse social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and irregular hours
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and radiation
• Prolonged sitting or standing, repetitive physical movements, and manual dexterity associated with dental assisting
• Ability to distinguish letters and symbols, and proficiency with telephones, computers, and copiers
• Applies trauma-informed care principles within the scope of the position

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) preferred
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) preferred
• Current CPR (BLS) certification required
• Valid Radiology license in NJ
• Fluency in both English and Spanish preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, typing, and electronic medical records

Pay

$21.00–$27.82 per hour