Dental Assistant

Park DuValle Community Health Centers; Taylorsville (KY); On-site; USD 24,796 - 35,817; Full time

Job summary

Park DuValle Community Health Centers is seeking a Dental Assistant to provide chairside and clinical support in a fast-paced community health setting. You will welcome patients, take vital signs, prepare treatment rooms, assist with procedures, and maintain infection control and patient records.

Certification requirements include Kentucky radiography certification, EDDA/EFDA training, CPR, and HIPAA compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least one year of dental assisting experience.
• Kentucky radiography certification or ability to obtain within six months.
• Current CPR certification or ability to obtain.
• EDDA/EFDA training completion is required.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direct supervision of dentists regarding patient care.
• Welcome patients, take vital signs, review medical history, and prepare for procedures.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials; maintain infection control.
• Assist chairside with suction, retraction, air/water, and maintain a clear field.
• Take dental radiographs with Kentucky certification; ensure proper positioning.
• Mix dental materials and assist with placement as directed.
• Provide oral hygiene instructions and post-operative care guidance.
• Maintain patient records, schedule appointments, and verify insurance benefits.
• Participate in community health initiatives and maintain operatory cleanliness.
• Comply with HIPAA, OSHA, and infection control standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Patient care

Teamwork

Communication skills

Infection control

X-ray proficiency

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Kentucky radiography certification

EDDA/EFDA training

CPR certification

Job description

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant provides chairside and clinical support to dentists in a fast-paced community health center environment. This role assists with patient care, prepares and maintains treatment areas, and ensures patient comfort and safety.

Description

All duties are performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist in accordance with the Kentucky Dental Practice Act. Expanded duties may be assigned to individuals with EDDA/EFDA certification as permitted by state regulations.

Dental Assistant (Core Duties)

• Work under the direct supervision of dentists regarding patient care.
• Welcome patients, taking vital signs, reviewing medical history, and preparing them for dental procedures.
• Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, and materials for procedures.
• Sterilize instruments, set up trays with necessary tools, and ensure proper infection control protocols are followed.
• Assist dentist chairside, maintaining a clear operating field (suction, retraction, air/water).
• Take dental radiographs (with Kentucky certification) ensuring proper positioning and technique.
• Mix dental materials (cements, composites, etc.) and assist with placement as directed.
• Providing oral hygiene instructions, demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques, and explaining post-operative care.
• Maintaining patient records, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance benefits, and completing necessary paperwork.
• Participating in community health initiatives to promote dental awareness and access to care.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of operatories.
• Comply with HIPAA, OSHA, and infection control standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Expanded Duties (EDDA/EFDA)

• Perform coronal polishing.
• Take impressions of teeth for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
• Apply permanent restorations to prepared teeth.
• Apply topical fluoride and sealants on teeth.
• Clean and polish the visible surfaces of teeth after dentist or hygienist scale.

Required Qualifications And Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of dental assisting experience.
• Kentucky radiography certification (or ability to obtain within six months of hire).
• Current CPR certification or ability to obtain.
• EDDA/EFDA: Completion of EDDA training program.
• Knowledge of dental terminology and procedures.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency in taking dental x-rays.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.