Dental Assistant

Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative, Inc. (SEMRHI); Hattiesburg (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Hattiesburg is seeking a Dental Assistant to join their team. This entry-level role involves assisting dentists, maintaining cleanliness in the operatory, and ensuring patient comfort. Candidates must have relevant certifications and strong organizational skills to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from ADA-accredited dental assisting program required.
• Current Radiology Licensure and BLS certification needed.
• Excellent computer skills and communication in English essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist as needed, including sterilizing instruments.
• Greet patients and monitor arrival times.
• Ensure operatory cleanliness and prepare treatment trays.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication in English

Ability to work under stress

Education

Graduation from an ADA-accredited dental assisting program

Current Radiology Licensure/Certificate

Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association

Current MS Driver's License

Job description

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Job Responsibilities

1. Check to ensure that units are ready, stocked, and clean at the beginning of each appointment (e.g., gloves, mirrors, trash bags, DisCide wipes, x-ray covers, pens, markers, school exam bags, etc.).
2. Oversee cleanliness of operatory and sterilize instruments, including cleaning instruments, spore tests, organizing instrument trays, and preparing solutions for suction cleaning.
3. Setup treatment trays, placing all instruments including burs for each doctor/procedure.
4. Change traps and clean autoclave once per week.
5. Restock supplies in dental exam rooms, such as cotton rolls, cotton tips, needles, etch, bond, matrix bands, air/water syringes, high evacuation suction tips, saliva ejectors, wedges, prophy cups, and polish.
6. Assist in other office areas when necessary (phones, unpacking, supplies, patient records).
7. Greet patients, monitor arrival times, and seat patients with proper setup.
8. Ensure patients are not left unattended in the chair.
9. Assist the dentist as needed, chart procedures, and record charges.
10. Escort patients, complete patient charts, and perform clinical procedures delegated by the dentist.
11. Provide patient instructions, demonstrate procedures, and ensure availability of dental screening sheets.
12. Monitor patient flow and handle closure procedures in exam rooms.
13. Prepare school exam and hygiene bags, update patient health and medical histories, and check blood pressure.
14. Assist with placing sealants, ensure compliance with OSHA guidelines, and prepare patients for treatment.
15. Notify treatment coordination of difficult appointments, participate in morning huddles, respond to emails, and accept constructive criticism.
16. Handle confidential information, adhere to policies, and work effectively as part of the team.
17. Maintain punctuality, verify timecards, and perform related tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements

1. Graduation from an ADA-accredited dental assisting program.
2. Current Radiology Licensure/Certificate.
3. Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association.
4. Current MS Driver's License.
5. Ability to sterilize, select, mix, and place materials.
6. Excellent computer skills and communication in English.
7. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
8. Ability to work under stress in a fast-paced environment.

Physical and Other Requirements

1. Pass criminal background check, drug screen, and physical assessment.
2. Willingness to travel locally and out-of-state.
3. Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods and lift at least 10 lbs.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Healthcare Provider
• Industries: Hospitals and Healthcare