Dental Assistant

North Side Christian Health Center; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

North Side Christian Health Center in Pittsburgh seeks a Certified Dental Assistant to provide four-handed chair-side support, radiographs, lab work, and sterilization under direct supervision. The role includes documentation in EMR, patient comfort, and equipment maintenance.

The position requires BCLS, Radiology, OSHA/HIPAA certifications, and active state-required clearances, with flexibility for evenings/weekends and commitment to confidential care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Completion or enrollment in a Dental Assistant program.
• Current knowledge and practice experience in dental assisting.
• Must be able to bend, stretch and lift items up to 20 lbs.
• Current BCLS certification.
• Current Radiology certification.
• Current OSHA/HIPAA certification.
• Proficiency in dental software (Dentrix, Open Dental, eClinical Works, Dexis).
• Act 33 with renewal; Act 34 with renewal; Act 73 FBI clearance with renewal.
• Annual influenza vaccine.

Responsibilities

• Performs four-handed chair-side assistance to treating dentist under direct supervision.
• Performs dental radiography—intra-oral and panoramic images.
• Prepares dental laboratory models, trays, temporaries for bridgework and crowns.
• Sterilizes and disinfects dental instruments and equipment.
• Prepares procedural trays/armamentaria set-ups.
• Reviews and records patient medical histories for dentist's reference.
• Takes and records patient's blood pressure.
• Makes patient feel comfortable before and during treatment.
• Completes thorough and timely clinical documentation in EMR.
• Completes laboratory authorization forms and maintains record of dental laboratory cases.
• Mixes dental materials.
• Places and removes retraction cord.
• Takes preliminary impressions.
• Applies topical anesthetic in area of injection site.
• Places post-extraction dressings.
• Provides pre- and post- operative instruction for patients.
• Performs routine maintenance of dental equipment.
• Consistently practices universal precautions.
• Orders dental supplies and materials.
• Manages proper disposal and removal of waste in dental clinic.
• Recognizes and responds to basic medical emergencies.
• Participate in dental huddle meetings to communicate and coordinate patient needs with the entire care team.
• Communicates treatment recommendations with dental front desk.
• Provides back-up for dental co-workers when needed.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned by Chief Dental Officer or Dentist(s).

Skills

Professional demeanor

Team collaboration

Self-direction

Confidentiality

Public health orientation

Evening/weekend flexibility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Dental Assistant program completed or enrolled

Current BCLS certification

Current Radiology certification

Current OSHA/HIPPA certification

Act 33 with renewal

Act 34 with renewal

Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Annual influenza vaccine

Tools

Dentrix

Open Dental

eClinical Works

Dexis

Job description

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs four-handed chair-side assistance to treating dentist under direct supervision
• Performs dental radiography-intra-oral and panoramic images
• Performs dental laboratory work-models, trays, temporaries for bridgework and crowns
• Performs sterilization and disinfection of dental instruments and equipment
• Prepares procedural trays/armamentaria set-ups
• Reviews and records patient medical histories for dentist's reference
• Takes and records patient's blood pressure
• Makes patient feel comfortable before and during treatment
• Completes thorough and timely clinical documentation in EMR
• Completes laboratory authorization forms and maintains record of dental laboratory cases
• Mixes dental materials
• Places and removes retraction cord
• Takes preliminary impressions
• Applies topical anesthetic in area of injection site
• Places post-extraction dressings
• Provides pre- and post- operative instruction for patients
• Performs routine maintenance of dental equipment
• Consistently practices universal precautions
• Orders dental supplies and materials
• Manages the appropriate disposal and removal of waste in dental clinic
• Recognizes and responds to basic medical emergencies
• Participate in dental huddle meetings to communicate and coordinate patient needs with the entire care team
• Communicates treatment recommendations with dental front desk
• Provides back-up for dental co-workers when needed
• Performs all other related duties as assigned by Chief Dental Officer or Dentist(s)

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Meets professional behavioral expectations
• Serves as role model for all employees, displaying professional courtesy and compassionate care of patients
• Demonstrates an ability to resolve interpersonal and professional conflicts appropriately
• Participates in staff meetings, trainings, and committees
• Prolonged sitting and/or standing and moving about throughout the workday
• Potential exposure to biohazardous materials, including ionizing radiation
• Keeps all matters related to the organization confidential in compliance with confidentiality policy
• Assumes responsibility for work performance and is able to be self-directed
• Takes pride in job performance as evident in compliance with job responsibilities
• Must have ability to collaborate and communicate with other staff
• Public health orientation through training, experience, or professional interest
• Works evening and weekend hours as scheduled
• Attends a minimum of one outreach event per calendar year
• Commitment to NSCHC faith-based mission to provide care to all who request it, without judgment

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Successful completion of Dental Assistant program required or currently enrolled in a program
• Must have current knowledge of and practice experience in dental assisting
• Must be able to bend, stretch and lift items up to 20 lbs.
• Current BCLS certification
• Current Radiology certification
• Current OSHA/HIPPA certification
• Proficiency in EDR software (Dentrix, Open Dental, eClinical Works, Dexis)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
• Annual influenza vaccine