DENTAL ASSISTANT

Molokai Community Health Center; Hawaii; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Molokai Community Health Center in the United States is seeking a Dental Assistant to provide chairside support to dentists and hygienists, ensuring smooth workflow in the dental clinic.

You will prepare patients, maintain sterilization, take x-rays, manage EHR notes, and support front desk tasks while upholding HIPAA and OSHA standards in a culturally respectful environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Current Hawaii Dental Assistant Certification or willingness to obtain within 12 months.
• CPR/BLS certification required (or willingness to obtain within 30 days).
• At least 1 year of dental assisting experience preferred, especially in community/public health.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfort working with diverse patient populations, including children and families.
• Familiarity with dental EHR systems (e.g., Dentrix, Athena Dental) is a plus.
• Competitive hourly wage based on experience and certification.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance; Paid time off; 401(k) with employer match at one year.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists during restorative, preventive, and surgical procedures.
• Prepare patients for treatment, ensuring comfort and safety.
• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and operatory areas per infection control protocols.
• Take and process dental radiographs (x-rays) as prescribed.
• Maintain dental supplies and inventory; prepare operatory trays.
• Record patient information and treatment notes in the dental EHR.
• Provide post-operative and oral hygiene instructions under guidance of the dental team.
• Support front office functions such as scheduling, check-in/out, and patient communication.
• Uphold confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and OSHA standards.
• Participate in team huddles, quality improvement activities, and staff meetings.

Skills

Compassionate care

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

HIPAA knowledge

Diversity sensitivity

EHR familiarity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Hawaii Dental Assistant Certification

CPR/BLS certification

Tools

Dentrix EHR

Athena Dental

Job description

Job Summary:

The Dental Assistant provides chairside support to dentists and hygienists in the delivery of oral health services, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow in the dental clinic. The Dental Assistant plays an essential role in providing compassionate, quality care and promoting positive patient experiences in a culturally respectful environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist dentists during a variety of treatment procedures including restorative, preventive, and surgical care.
• Prepare patients for treatment, ensuring comfort and safety throughout their visit.
• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and operatory areas according to infection control protocols.
• Take and process dental radiographs (x-rays) as prescribed.
• Maintain dental supplies and inventory; prepare operatory trays for procedures.
• Record patient information and treatment notes accurately in the dental electronic health record (EHR).
• Provide post-operative and oral hygiene instructions to patients under the guidance of the dental team.
• Support front office functions as needed, such as scheduling, check-in/out, and patient communication.
• Uphold strict confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations and OSHA safety standards.
• Participate in team huddles, quality improvement activities, and staff meetings.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Current Hawaii Dental Assistant Certification or willingness to obtain within 12 months of hire
• Current CPR/BLS certification required (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• At least 1 year of dental assisting experience preferred, especially in a community or public health setting
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Comfort working with a diverse patient population, including children and families
• Familiarity with dental EHR systems (e.g., Dentrix, Athena Dental) is a plus
• Competitive hourly wage based on experience and certification
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match at one year employment

Molokai Community Health Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, gender orientation, age, disability, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital status, ancestry, pregnancy, ethnicity, or any other legally protected status in accordance with the requirements of federal, state, and local law.

Recent federal updates to Medicaid members aged 19-64 who are covered through the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion now mandates work requirements.The mandates state that recipients must work 80 hours per month in employment, participation in a work program, job training, community service activities, enrollment in an educational program (at least half time), or a combination of these activities.If your benefits are affected, Molokai Community Health Center wants to help.

Volunteer positions are available in the form of office work, help in the food pantry, grounds keeping, maintenance, help with campus events, or may be based on your life / work experience.

If you are interested in volunteering or have questions regarding volunteer opportunities, email [e-mail] .