Dental Assistant

Fenway Health; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Retirement plan with employer match

11 paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

Fenway Health in Boston, MA is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists, residents, and hygienists in direct patient care. The role includes chair-side assistance, instrument sterilization, operatory prep, inventory control, and light administrative duties under supervision.

This full-time position offers a four-day workweek (31–37.5 hours per week), union protections, competitive benefits, and opportunities to advance in a collaborative, patient-centered practice within Fenway Health.

Qualifications

• Must have MA Dental Assisting license and CPR/BLS certification.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team and multi-task effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and infection control.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists, residents, and hygienists in patient care and operatory setup.
• Sterilize instruments and maintain equipment and inventory.
• Perform front desk tasks and administrative duties as needed.
• Ensure patient confidentiality and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Dental assisting

Communication skills

Multitasking

Cultural sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Massachusetts Dental Assisting License

CPR (BLS) certification

Radiology certification

Tools

Epic

Job description

Description

Full-Time: Four (4) day workweek (31 - 37.5 hours per week)

Under the direction of the Dental Assistant Supervisor, the Dental Assistant is responsible for assisting the dentists, dental residents, and dental hygienists in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of the center. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for sterilization, preparation, chair side assisting, inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. The Dental Assistant will also be required to perform administrative tasks as designated by the Dental Administrative Supervisor.

Representative Duties:

1. Performs duties which assist the dentist(s) and hygienist in the care and treatment of patients

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering their questions and giving directions to patients as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist
• Serves as dentist’s or dental hygienist’s chair-side assistant
• Prepares operatory for patient treatment as per Dental Department protocols and the dentist’s or dental hygienist’s directions
• Performs independent procedures as delegated and directed by the dentist in accordance with state regulation and law and Dental Department directive and protocol
• Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s directions and Dental Department policy and protocol
• Maintains all Dental Department areas in compliance with Dental Department directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues
• Responsible for the sterilization of instruments, and the cleaning and routine maintenance of equipment and work areas
• Maintains inventory of supplies and materials as well as maintain thorough and accurate documentation of inventory
• Performs lab work including custom trays, whitening trays, etc
• Performs clerical functions to maintain patient charts and schedule treatment
• Looking for expired materials in their assigned room

2. Assist with front-end operations when needed

• Greet each client with a smile and welcoming, professional manner
• Answer each phone call in a cheerful and professional manner
• At all times maintain patient confidentiality, speak in quiet tones at the desk with colleagues and clients and behave appropriately for a highly visible position
• Perform reception duties in an efficient, professional and courteous manner
• Follow established policies for appointment scheduling, patient registration and all front desk operations

3. Meets agency participatory expectation

• Adheres to all agency and departmental policies and procedures
• Participates in quality assessment and improvement activities as requested
• Adheres to the highest principles of patient and client confidentiality
• Adheres to established safety policies, procedures and precautions; identifies potential or actual unsafe situations in the environment and takes measures to rectify the situation
• Attends all required meetings, in-services and professional trainings
• Maintains professional competence necessary to perform job responsibilities; maintains and provides agency with records of continuing education activities
• Serves on agency committees and in professional organizations when requested

4. Performs other related job duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Current Massachusetts Dental Assisting License
• Current CPR (BLS) certification
• Radiology certification
• Able to work effectively at all levels in collaborative team environment
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to attend to multiple tasks at the same time and to prioritize assignments and responsibilities to ensure compliance with established deadlines and protocols
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. This includes engaging constructively with colleagues, patients, clients, and vendors in a manner that reflects professionalism, empathy, and cultural awareness, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics as defined by applicable law.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of an accredited course in dental assisting
• Knowledge of Epic
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology
• Ability and willingness to learn

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, unpleasant odors and/or loud noises
• Moderate physical activity Requires handling average-weight objects up to 15-20 pounds, assisting with patients and standing and/or walking for most the day
• Will work with blood or blood-borne pathogens and will require OSHA training
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment

This is a union position in a Fenway Health bargaining unit represented by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

We offer competitive salaries, and for those who qualify, an excellent benefits package; including comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans, and a retirement plan with employer match. We also provide 11 paid holidays, paid vacation, and more.

LGBTQIA+ identified persons, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), and individuals from other historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.