Dental Assistant
Job Description:
Position Summary: The Registered Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentist and dental hygienist in the
direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the health center. The Dental Assistant is also responsible
for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.
Position Responsibilities:
1. Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist.
2. Serves as dentist’s chair-side assistant.
3. Prepares operatory for patient treatment.
4. Exposes and develops dental radiographs and performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulations and law.
5. Maintains dental department equipment and work areas in compliance with health center policies and procedures relative to infection control and safety issues, including the sterilization of all reusable dental instruments and equipment and the proper disposal of all contaminated or potentially contaminated materials.
6. Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list for inventory control and ordering purposes.
7. Pulls and files patient charts as required and receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matter, clinic business and patient care.
8. Assists with various clinical and administrative functions of the center as appropriate and as time permits.
9. As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organization and programmatic goals and objectives.
10. Comprehensive knowledge of dental assisting techniques and procedures for all phases of general dentistry.
11. Must be cognizant of the expectations and concerns of the health center’s dental patients and be able to respond in an empathetic and professional manner.
Position Requirements:
1. Skill in providing excellent customer service and support; organizing and prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines; and excellent written and verbal communication.
2. Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds.
3. Ability to work effectively with managers, co-workers, members of the public and professional groups.
4. Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, concisely with others (internal and external customers, both verbally and in writing), consistently demonstrate positive/proactive customer service attitude. Consistently maintains ethical behaviors exemplary of quality public service and fair standards, inclusively, among all employees and members of the public.
5. Ability to work as an effective team member; function independently, exercise sound judgment and initiative; be flexible to shift priorities; maintain confidentiality; establish and maintain effective interpersonal work relationships, effectively assist providers; work toward goals and objectives of draft priorities.
Minimum Requirements:
1. Ability to perform each position responsibility satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties of the position.
2. Ability to understand that safety is a condition of employment. Unsafe acts or conditions will be reported to the
supervisor or Site Coordinator.
3. Must be computer literate with ability to enter information in the NHC EHS system and compile reports or data
as requested.
4. Must be able to read, write and speak English.
Education and/or Experience:
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Completion of accredited course in dental assisting preferred (Qualified Dental Assistant)
• Current CPR (BLS) required
License and / or Certification:
• Current certification by DANB
• Current CPR certification required
• Valid North Dakota Driver’s License
• Current Immunization Records
• Current PPD
• Must be able to meet and maintain current NHC credentialing and privileging requirements.
Special Requirements:
Must be willing to travel between NHC health Must be willing to work evening hours and weekends if necessary.
Appearance Standards: This position shall follow the appearance standards as outlined in the NHC Personnel Appearance Policy.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee may experience exposure to dust, pollens, pollutants, fumes, and communicable diseases as related to the health care environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.