Dental Assistant

East Arkansas Family Health Center Inc; Helena-West Helena (AR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

East Arkansas Family Health Center, Inc. in Helena, Arkansas seeks a compassionate Dental Assistant to support dentists during exams and treatments, prepare patients and treatment areas, and maintain instruments.

This full-time role emphasizes patient safety and teamwork. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical and organizational skills, commit to quality care, and join a mission-driven organization serving Eastern Arkansas.

Qualifications

• Registered Dental Assistant license or graduation from a dental assisting school.
• High school diploma required.
• Professional, courteous patient interaction and scheduling abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients and assist dentists during procedures.
• Set up trays, materials, and prep treatment areas.
• Obtain and document patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
• Expose diagnostic dental X-rays following standards.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-op care.
• Document treatments accurately in patient records.

Skills

Communication

Patient interaction

Scheduling coordination

Education

Licensed Dental Assistant or graduation from a dental assisting school

High school diploma

Job description

East Arkansas Family Health Center, Inc.

Location: Helena, Arkansas
Employment Type: Full-Time

East Arkansas Family Health Center is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and detail-oriented Dental Assistant to join our dental healthcare team at our Helena, Arkansas location. This full-time position is responsible for assisting dentists during patient examinations and treatments, preparing patients and treatment areas, maintaining dental instruments and equipment, and supporting the delivery of quality dental care.

The ideal candidate will have strong clinical and organizational skills, a commitment to patient safety, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. This position plays an important role in ensuring patients receive professional, efficient, and compassionate dental services.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

At East Arkansas Family Health Center, we believe health starts with caring—for our patients, our community, and our employees. You'll be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare throughout Eastern Arkansas.

Benefits That Support Your Well-Being and Career

Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Employee-only premium paid 100% by the organization

Wellness Benefit Card that significantly reduces out-of-pocket medical and prescription costs

Dental and Vision Insurance available

Voluntary Benefits including Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness coverage

Time Off

Generous Paid Time Off

10 Paid Holidays, including your birthday

Paid Sick Leave accruing at 8 hours per month

Retirement Plan with up to 4% employer match after one year

Company-Paid Continuing Education and Professional Development

Collaborative and supportive team culture

Mission-focused organization dedicated to serving the community

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient lives

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Dental Patient Care and Clinical Assistance

Prepare patients for dental examinations and treatments and assist dentists during dental procedures.

Set up instrument trays, prepare dental materials, and ensure treatment areas are properly prepared for patient care.

Obtain and document patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.

Expose diagnostic dental X-rays in accordance with applicable requirements.

Take preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.

Pour study casts, clean and polish removable dental appliances, and fabricate temporary restorations as needed.

Assist dentists in managing medical and dental emergencies.

Educate patients regarding oral hygiene practices and plaque control.

Provide postoperative care instructions as prescribed by the dentist.

Accurately document dental treatments and patient information in patient records.

Perform tooth polishing and apply protective fluoride coatings as assigned and permitted by applicable requirements.

Monitor nitrous oxide use when appropriate and applicable.

Dental Equipment, Sterilization, and Infection Control

Sterilize and disinfect dental instruments and maintain a clean, safe treatment environment.

Utilize OneSource to review dental instrument and equipment Instructions for Use (IFU)’s, particularly those related to sterilization and disinfection.

Maintain, clean, and monitor autoclaves according to established procedures.

Maintain and clean dental equipment as instructed.

Monitor the condition of dental equipment and treatment areas and report concerns to the supervising dentist.

Maintain accurate infection control logs.

Follow all EAFHC safety and infection control policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Administrative and General Responsibilities

Maintain patient referral logs and assist with coordinating dental referrals.

Complete and submit insurance prior authorizations when necessary.

Ensure applicable patient consent forms are completed and properly maintained.

Assist with scheduling or canceling dental appointments when the dentist is absent, as assigned.

Perform administrative and/or medical duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer when appropriate.

Complete continuing education necessary to maintain required dental assistant credentials and assigned MedTrainer courses.

Participate in continuous quality improvement activities and organizational training.

Notify supervisors of unusual occurrences, patient complaints, or concerns affecting daily operations.

Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, corporate compliance requirements, and organizational policies.

Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and a commitment to providing quality patient care.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Registered Dental Assistant license or graduation from a dental assisting school.

High school graduate.

Ability to greet patients and visitors in a courteous and professional manner.

Ability to assist with dental appointment scheduling, cancellations, and assigned administrative or medical duties in the absence of the dentist.