Dental Assistant

Howard Brown; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,419 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks paid vacation

Personal time

Sick days

Paid holidays

Commuter benefit

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with employer match

Life insurance

Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Howard Brown Health seeks a Dental Assistant I to support dental procedures under supervision. You will expose and process radiographs, maintain infection control, and assist with patient preparation and comfort.

The role emphasizes accurate record-keeping, scheduling, and patient communications, with opportunities to contribute to LGBTQ+ affirming care and community health.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Current BLS/CPR certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Minimum one year of customer service experience.
• Strong time management skills, especially during high-traffic periods.
• Ability to maintain cordial and professional relationships with dentists, colleagues, and patients.
• Attention to detail in maintaining accurate and current information.
• Ability to explain dental procedures clearly to patients.
• Ability to work affirmatively with LGBTQ+ and HIV+ patients.

Responsibilities

• Sterilizes and disinfects dental instruments and equipment per infection control protocols.
• Exposes, processes, and assesses dental radiographs for diagnostic purposes.
• Removes orthodontic appliances as needed to relieve pain or discomfort.
• Maintains instruments and operatory in an organized, ready-to-use state.
• Sets up instrument trays for procedures and prepares patients for treatment.
• Welcomes and positions patients, ensuring comfort and safety during procedures.
• Maintains CPR certification and emergency readiness.
• Documents medical and dental histories and vital signs.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Attention to detail

Professional relationships

Communication with patients

LGBTQ+ patient care

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

HBH New Halsted
3501 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60657, USA

Description

Howard Brown Health is a nationally recognized leader in LGBTQ+ health and wellness. Our commitment to inclusive and affirming care has made us a cornerstone of the Chicago community. At Howard Brown, we believe in providing holistic, patient-centered care that empowers individuals and enriches lives.

What is in it for you:

• A commitment to work-life balance with:
  • 3-weeks paid vacation and 1-week of personal time
  • 12 accrued sick days per year
  • 9 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
  • PTO Exchange allows employees to turn unused PTO into liquid assets
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance with two PPO plans and an HMO plan.
  • BCBS HMO, PPO, and PPO Select Plans
  • EyeMed Vision premium
• 401k program with up to 5% employer match after 90 days
• Employer-paid basic life insurance valued at one times the annual salary
• Voluntary Life and AD&D, and Short-term and Long-term disability
• Up to $720 pre-tax commuter and parking benefit account
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Forgiveness Programs; NHSC & PSLF
• Employee Assistance Program with 5 employer-paid counseling sessions
• 50% off at Brown Elephant Resale Shops and discounts at local businesses

What you can expect:

Pay: $20.00/hour

How you will make an impact:

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Dental Hygiene Manager and under the supervision of a licensed Dentist, the Dental Assistant I will carry out fundamental and supportive dental procedures. Following the completion of on-the-job training, responsibilities include exposing, processing, and assessing dental radiographs, as well as implementing infection control and occupational safety measures. Conducts financial assessments, manages, and directs phone calls, schedules and confirm patient appointments and changes as necessary. Leverages industry knowledge and best practices to promote the mission and vision of Howard Brown Health as well as supports culture enhancement and management efforts.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Clinical Services and Procedures:

• Sterilizes and disinfects dental instruments and equipment in accordance with established infection control protocols.
• Exposes, processes, and assesses dental radiographs for diagnostic purposes.
• Removes loose, broken, or irritating orthodontic appliances on a patient of record for the purpose of eliminating pain or discomfort.
• Ensures that all instruments are properly maintained, organized, and ready for use.
• Sets up instrument trays for various dental procedures, ensuring that all necessary tools and materials are readily available for the dentist.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Takes and records medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.

Administrative Duties / Patient-Centered Services/Electronic Health Record Maintenance:

• Schedules appointments, maintain records, manually or using computer.
• Maintains an organized and well-stocked dental operatory to facilitate efficient workflow during dental procedures.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Safeguards confidentiality of the medical charts/records and complies with all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to medical records.
• Participates in all required team meetings and continuing education in-services.
• Participates in emergency preparedness plan as dictated by the policy and procedures.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current BLS/CPR certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Minimum one (1) year of customer service required.
• Proven self-awareness and effective time management skills, particularly during high-traffic periods.
• Competent in maintaining cordial and professional relationships with dentists, colleagues, and patients.
• Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in maintaining accurate and current information.
• Well-versed in dental procedures with the ability to clearly explain them to patients.
• Ability to work affirmatively with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV+ patients.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

• Requires ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
• Requires ability to use computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
• Requires ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• May require periodic travel.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees at Howard Brown are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age, FMLA status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.