Dental Assistant (Certified)

Central City Health; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

14 Paid Holidays Annually

18 PTO Days

Benefit Coverage after 30 Days

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

A community health organization in Detroit, Michigan, is seeking a Dental Assistant to support patient care. Responsibilities include collecting medical histories, assisting during treatments, educating patients about oral health, and managing office tasks. The role requires a minimum of two years of dental experience and a certification from an accredited dental assistant program. Candidates should have strong communication skills and the ability to work with diverse populations. A certificate or degree in dental assisting is preferred, alongside familiarity with Electronic Dental Records.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of two years of recent dental experience.
• RDA or CDA certification highly preferred.
• Experience in treating patients of all ages, especially children.

Responsibilities

• Collect patients’ medical history and vitals.
• Assist the dentist during treatment procedures.
• Educate patients about oral health and hygiene.

Skills

Patient care

Oral hygiene education

Infection control

Electronic Dental Records

Communication skills

Education

Certificate from an accredited dental assistant program

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Job description

Benefits

• 14 Paid Holidays Annually.
• 18 PTO Days (less than 1 Year; 27 Days on 1st Year Anniversary).
• Benefit Coverage after 30 Days: Medical/Dental/Vision/Short-term Disability.
• Company-Paid Life Insurance.
• Retirement Savings 403(b).
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Continuing Education Allowance.

Responsibilities

• Ensures all actions, job performance, personal conduct and communications represent the organization in a highly professional manner.
• Collects patients’ medical history and vitals including blood pressure and pulse.
• Assists the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures for children and adult patients.
• Takes, develops and mounts dental radiographs (x-rays); takes impressions of patients' teeth for study casts (models of teeth) and dental procedures.
• Advises patients, parents or guardians concerning diet, hygiene, and disease prevention; provides health and wellness advice to patients/families based on dental office protocols and the dentist’s recommendations.
• Effectively communicates with other health care providers or community resources to provide comprehensive, all-encompassing care.
• Educates patients/families and the community about oral health related disease and prevention and self-management of acute and chronic dental conditions; recommends interventions to modify behaviors associated with health risks.
• Teaches patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health including tooth brushing, flossing and nutritional counseling.
• Performs office management tasks including those necessary for scheduling and confirming patients, entering documentation into patients’ records per doctor’s request, for the authorization of treatment, insurance processing and claims billing.
• Prepares and sterilizes instruments and equipment as an infection control measure.
• Provides patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures, such as the placement of a restoration (filling).
• Assists in the provision of direct patient care in all dental specialties including pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery.
• Participates in a multidisciplinary care team and identifies problems and provides feedback to team members regarding a solution.
• Assists with the workflow of the clinic as needed including registration and rooming of patients and the completion of intake paperwork.
• Orders and keeps documentation of supply orders, invoices, work orders, etc.
• Maintain an organized inventory supply system.
• Ensures continuous flow of communication with the Dental Director to enhance the quality of service to our patients.
• Participates in the integration of services including primary and pediatric care, behavior health, dental services, and supportive housing; serves as a resource to other providers and staff.
• Takes part in performance improvement activities such as medical staff team huddles, quality assurance audits, continuing education, and Patient Centered Medical Home processes.
• Participates in meetings/conferences and continuing education and demonstrates a genuine desire to develop strategies for improved clinic operations and high-level patient care.
• Ensures certification remains current and valid.
• Assures patients’ rights are being maintained at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Must possess a certificate from an accredited dental assistant program required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of recent dental experience required; five (5) years of recent dental experience preferred.
• Successfully pass required state and/or national examinations highly preferred.
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) highly preferred.
• Experience in treating patients of all ages; Dental experience with children/adolescents preferred.
• Must be proficient with Electronic Dental Records and other databases/systems.
• Must meet all Continuing Education requirements.
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices; must be comfortable with community outreach.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Must maintain confidentiality relating to treatment in accordance with HIPAA guideline.

Equal Opportunity Employer

“This is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position. As with everything in life, things change. The tasks and responsibilities can be changed, added to, removed, amended, deleted, and modified at any time by the organization. Central City Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all candidates and team members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, height, weight, marital status, gender identity expression, disability status, protected veteran, or other legally protected status by state or federal law. At Central City Health the health and safety of our employees is our top priority. Vaccination has been proven to play a critical role in combating COVID-19. As a result, Central City Health prefers that employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19; however, it is not required.”