Job Description
Job Description
Position Summary
The Dental Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality dental care by providing chairside assistance and clinical support to dental providers. This role ensures patient-centered care in compliance with FQHC standards, infection control requirements, and organizational policies. The Dental Assistant demonstrates professionalism, technical competence, and cultural sensitivity in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Assist the dentist during dental procedures by providing chairside support, instrument transfer, suctioning, and patient monitoring.
- Prepare patients for dental examinations and procedures and provide post-treatment instructions as directed.
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and infection control standards.
- Accurately document dental procedures, treatments, and clinical notes in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
- Maintain operatory readiness, including room turnover, equipment checks, and supply stocking.
- Take and process dental radiographs as permitted by state regulations.
- Support inventory management by monitoring, ordering, and restocking dental supplies.
- Adhere to all infection control, OSHA, HIPAA, and FQHC regulatory requirements.
- Maintain a safe, respectful, and patient-focused clinical environment.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of dental terminology, procedures, and chairside assisting techniques.
- Familiarity with dental equipment, instruments, and sterilization processes.
- Proficiency with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and basic computer applications.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Understanding of HIPAA, infection control standards,
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Completion of an ADA-accredited Dental Assisting program or equivalent training preferred.
- Current CPR/BLS certification required or obtained within a designated timeframe.
Experience
- Two years of experience as a Dental Assistant required.
Physical Demands
- Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and sitting throughout the workday.
- Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for dental assisting procedures and equipment handling.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 pounds.
- Extended periods of repetitive hand motions and computer use.
Work Environment
- Work is performed primarily in a dental clinic setting.
- Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, chemicals, radiation, and sharp instruments.
- Compliance with infection control practices, PPE use, and safety protocols is required.
- Moderate noise levels with frequent interaction with patients and clinical staff.
- May encounter stressful situations, including patients experiencing pain, anxiety, or emotional distress.
Disclaimer:
The above is intended to describe the job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements.
Medical Associates Plus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.