Certified Dental Assistant

CHP Berkshires; Great Barrington (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mission-driven work

Live in the Berkshires

Job summary

Community Health Programs (CHP) in the Berkshires seeks a Certified Dental Assistant to support dentists and hygienists, handle front desk tasks, and manage patient information. The role includes instrument preparation, radiographs, vital signs, and medical history documentation, with duties spanning clinical and administrative areas.

Ideal candidates will be MA-registered RDAs (DANB preferred) with CPR certification, strong communication, and computer skills.

Qualifications

• Strong communication with customers and coworkers.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.
• Proficient in Word/Excel; Dentrix preferred.
• Maintain Massachusetts RDA license and stay current with regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist CHP dentists with instruments, seating patients, room prep, and instrument cleaning.
• Greet patients, escort to treatment rooms, and document vitals for dentist review.
• Take dental intra-oral radiographs and manage patient medical histories.
• Call in prescriptions as directed by the dentist and provide chair-side assistance during procedures.
• Perform lab tasks (denture/crown prep) and ensure next-day lab cases arrive from the lab.
• Set up and clean treatment rooms between patients; sterilize instruments and maintain autoclaves.
• Assist with front desk duties, schedule appointments, and collect co-pays when applicable.
• May cross-train for front desk coverage and assist at other CHP sites as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Spanish bilingual

Customer service

Professional demeanor

Notes taking

Education

Massachusetts Registered Dental Assistant

DANB certification

CPR certification

Tools

Dentrix

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Database skills

Job description

Certified Dental Assistant

Community Health Programs | Berkshire County, MA

ABOUT CHP

Community Health Programs (CHP) is a community health center caring for people throughout the Berkshires. Our mission is to nurture and inspire healthy lives for people throughout the Berkshires by delivering exceptional and compassionate health care and family services.

THE ROLE

The Certified Dental Assistant provides support to CHP dentists and dental hygienists. This person is crossed trained on reception at the dental practice. This person will support CHP's mission, vision, and values and will adhere to compliance protocols as well as CHP's policies and procedures.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Supports CHP dentists by assisting with instruments, seating patients, room preparation and instrument cleaning.
• Greets patients upon arrival, escorts patients from waiting room to treatment room.
• Takes patient vitals and records for dentist evaluation.
• Take dental intra-oral and radiographs.
• Gather patient's medical history for dentist review and final documentation.
• Documents patient's current medicines, medical conditions and pre-med if needed.
• Document patient's blood pressure, weight and smoking status.
• Call in prescriptions as directed by the dentist.
• Provides chair side assistance during procedures as directed by attending dentist.
• Performs lab tasks including denture and crown preparation.
• Ensure lab cases for the next day have arrived from the lab.
• Sets up, breaks and wipes down treatment room between patients.
• Clean, check, sterilize dental instruments, flush water lines, and maintain autoclaves.
• Help with tracking and ordering supplies.
• Follows all safety protocols set forth by CHP, Department of Public Health and OSHA.
• Answers phones and assists front desk.
• Schedules new and established patient appointments as needed.
• May collect patient's co-pay, deductibles and treatment payments when applicable.
• Relieves and steps in for receptionist when needed.
• May be responsible to open and close front door of office at start and end of day.
• Confirm patient appointments for the upcoming days.
• Inform Dental Center Practice Manager of any irregular procedure observed by a patient or companion while in the waiting area or during intake process.
• Observe and cooperate with the security of the dental center at all time.
• Flexible schedule including some Saturday hours.
• Flexible to assist at other sites as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Demonstrate ability to manage projects or tasks.
• Manage difficult or emotional patient situations.
• Respond promptly to patient needs.
• Solicit patient feedback to improve service.
• Respond to requests for service and assistance.
• Complete administrative tasks correctly and on time.
• Cover when needed and cross train for additional administration/dental coverage or other site management as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Professional, welcoming, and pleasant personality.
• Contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Respond well to questions.
• Takes careful and accurate notes.
• Follow up on messages and ensures delivery of messages.
• Compose/type letters if requested by administration.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Good communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Spanish speaking/bilingual skills are a plus.
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Dentrix expertise is preferred. Database skills are a plus.
• Attend continuing education meetings to maintain license.

Education and/or Experience

• High school or GED.
• Must be listed with the State of Massachusetts as a Registered Dental Assistant.
• Front desk reception experience is a plus.
• DANB certification is required.
• Maintain a current CPR license.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The following are physical and mental demands which may or may not be applicable to this position.

Physical Demands

• Constant: Hearing, seeing, color vision, reading, math, oral and written communication.
• Frequent: Balancing, stooping, reaching, handling, depth perception, mechanical concepts, operating equipment.
• Occasional:
• Minimal:

Mental Demands

• Constant: Interpersonal skills, implementing, evaluating, organizing, handling, public contact, concentration.
• Frequent: Specifying, stressful situations.
• Occasional: Interpreting, consulting, analyzing, presenting, trauma/grief/death, decision-making.

Equipment Operated: Computers, copiers, printers, fans, calculators, various medical office equipment and supplies

WHY JOIN CHP?

• Mission-driven work: make a direct, everyday difference in the health of your neighbors and community.
• A team that has your back: join a work environment that is caring, collaborative, and innovative.
• Life in the Berkshires: live and work in a region known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and vibrant arts and culture.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Community Health Programs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.