Dental Assistant

LCMC Health; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

LCMC Health in New Orleans seeks a dental assistant to support dentists with patient care, room preparation and instrument handling. You will collect patient data, assist during procedures, sterilize tools, and take X-rays while upholding HIPAA privacy and safety standards. The role involves inventory management and patient education.

The position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to work as part of a care team in a busy dental office.

Qualifications

• Assist dentists and collect patient information under supervision.
• Prepare patients and rooms and monitor vital signs during treatment.
• Sterilize tools and perform X-rays following safety procedures.
• Educate patients on dental care and maintain patient records.
• Protect patient privacy under HIPAA guidelines.
• Maintain supply inventory and order dental tools and exam room supplies.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists by holding instrument trays and handing them specific tools.
• Prepare patients and rooms for dental examinations and procedures.
• Sterilize all tools and perform X-rays with proper safety procedures.
• Educate patients on proper dental care and postoperative instructions.
• Protect patient privacy following HIPAA rules.
• Order and manage supplies like X-ray safety equipment and dental instruments.

Skills

Dental assisting

Patient handling

HIPAA compliance

Sterilization procedures

Tools

X-ray equipment

Sterilization equipment

Dental instruments

Job description

Why a Great Place to Work At LCMC Health

We help you to lean into your calling by leaning in with you, ensuring you have the resources to do your job as only you can. And that begins with receiving the support you need to thrive and grow, which looks different for each person. Living out our commitment to inclusion requires providing benefits that are as diverse and unique as our workforce. It’s a responsibility we take seriously. Because we don’t just serve the New Orleans community—we’re at the beating heart of it. Whether by offering community health services or making medical innovations more accessible, LCMC Health is bringing a culture of wellness to the communities that matter to you. When you know you’re making an authentic impact, you give a little extra to every day— as a person, with your team, in your community—and that’s one of the reasons why you’ll be a perfect fit at LCMC Health, where giving a little something extra is at the heart of everything we do.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Assist Dentists/Collect Patient Information: Assist dentists by holding instrument trays and handing them specific tools. May perform minor procedures independently such as rubber cup prophies/supra gingival polishing, placing rubber dams, fitting crowns and bands, as per guidance by the Dental Practice Act. Collects patient data regarding tooth problems, known allergies, past medical history, and other information required by the dentist. Greets patients who come into the office and answers incoming phone calls to schedule appointments.
• Prepare Patients and Rooms: Prepares patient rooms by cleaning up after patients leave and preparing instrument trays. Also prepares patients by helping them get into position for their dental examinations. Monitors vital signs during dental treatment. Assists the dentist with patient care during dental cleanings, restorative treatment, orthodontic treatments and oral surgeries.
• Sterilize Tools/Perform X-Rays: Sterilizes all tools used by the dentist between patient exams and follows sanitation guidelines. Performs X-rays of patients’ teeth, following all proper safety procedures and obtains images and impressions.
• Educate Patients/Post Client Information: Advises and educates patients on proper dental care, oral hygiene practices, postoperative instructions, and maintaining healthy‑teeth diets. Records notes for patient files and transcribes notes from the dentist into the files.
• Protect Patient Privacy: Observes all HIPAA rules by protecting patient privacy.
• Order New Supplies: Maintains the supply inventory by ordering X-ray safety equipment, sterilization solutions, dental tools, and exam room supplies as necessary.