Dental Assistant - Columbia

King County, WA; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Health – Seattle & King County seeks a Dental Assistant to join the Columbia Public Health Dental Clinic. This role blends clinical duties with patient interaction to support community oral health across diverse populations.

The ideal candidate will be registered in WA, with hands-on dental assisting training and experience in public health settings. Expect a collaborative team, trauma-informed care, and opportunities to grow clinically while serving underserved communities in Seattle and

Qualifications

• Current registration as a Dental Assistant in the State of Washington.
• Completion of a recognized in person Dental Assistant course program or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of methods and techniques used in dental assisting.
• Working knowledge of terminology, materials, equipment, and instruments used in dentistry.
• Working knowledge of dental radiograph techniques and principles.
• Experience working in a public health or community clinic setting
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage your own and patient schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain patient records in accordance with practice guidelines and applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage behavioral issues in a dental clinic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to address conflict in a direct and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds as well as the ability to work with clients for whom English is a second language.
• Experience working with both in-person and telephonic or video interpreters in a clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Take and review patient medical and dental history and present relevant info to the Dentist.
• Act as a chairside assistant for restorative, oral surgery, endodontic, hygiene and other procedures as needed. Take diagnostic quality intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
• Assist dentist with emergency procedures.
• Provide child prophys.
• Apply dental sealants in clinical and community settings.
• Apply topical preventative agents.
• Perform other duties as allowed by the Washington State Dental Practice Act 18.32.
• Educate patients in oral hygiene and anticipatory guidance health behaviors.
• Maintain patient flow.
• Accurately document medical record information under the direction of the dentist.
• Maintain operatories and dental spaces in good working order and insure compliance with OSHA/WISHA requirements.
• Clean and sterilize dental instruments in accordance with State and Federal requirements.
• Perform routine dental equipment maintenance (clinical and portable) and process repairs.
• Maintain dental supply inventory and ordering.
• Make patient reminder calls and follow up on missed appointments as needed.
• Schedule appointments, greet and reassure clients.
• Complete client registrations, billing, and conduct follow-up with patients as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Dental radiography

Patient scheduling

Teamwork

Education

Dental Assistant course program

Tools

EPIC software

Job description

Position Summary

Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking a Dental Assistant to join our vibrant & diverse team at our Columbia Public Health Dental Clinic. This role is an opportunity to gain experience in dental procedures and patient interaction in a dynamic environment; the dental assistant role combines clinical skills with interpersonal communication. This role is also a great opportunity to make a positive impact on community oral health, serve diverse populations and contribute to preventive care. King County Dental Clinics provide emergency and comprehensive dental services to an ethnically and racially diverse population of low-income children and adults, including pregnant women and homeless adults and teens.

Background

We are a trauma informed dental clinic that provides patient centered, comprehensive, and compassionate care to the most vulnerable population in our community. Our diverse and multilingual staff reflect the ethnically and racially diverse population of the clients that we serve.

Commitment To Equity and Social Justice

Named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.

The county government has a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from all communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.

We recognize that structural racism consists of principles and practices that cause and justify an inequitable distribution of rights, opportunities, and experiences across racial groups. Since declaring Racism is a Public Health Crisis in June 2020, King County and Public Health committed to being intentionally anti-racist and accountable to Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. FLSA Non-Exempt and overtime eligible.

Work Location

Work Will Be Performed Onsite At Columbia Public Health Center Located At 4400 37th Ave. So, Seattle, WA 98118, But May Be Asked To Work At Other Dental Clinics As Needed

• Renton Public Health Dental: 3201 NE 7th ST, Renton, WA 98056
• Eastgate Public Health Dental: 14350 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98007
• Downtown Public Health Dental: 2124 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
• North Public Health Dental: 12359 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Job Duties

• Take and review patient medical and dental history and present relevant info to the Dentist.
• Act as a chairside assistant for restorative, oral surgery, endodontic, hygiene and other procedures as needed. Take diagnostic quality intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs.
• Assist dentist with emergency procedures.
• Provide child prophys.
• Apply dental sealants in clinical and community settings.
• Apply topical preventative agents.
• Perform other duties as allowed by the Washington State Dental Practice Act 18.32.
• Educate patients in oral hygiene and anticipatory guidance health behaviors.
• Maintain patient flow.
• Accurately document medical record information under the direction of the dentist.
• Maintain operatories and dental spaces in good working order and insure compliance with OSHA/WISHA requirements.
• Clean and sterilize dental instruments in accordance with State and Federal requirements.
• Perform routine dental equipment maintenance (clinical and portable) and process repairs.
• Maintain dental supply inventory and ordering.
• Make patient reminder calls and follow up on missed appointments as needed.
• Schedule appointments, greet and reassure clients.
• Complete client registrations, billing, and conduct follow-up with patients as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Our ideal candidate (Minimum Qualifications)

• Current registration as a Dental Assistant in the State of Washington.
• Completion of a recognized in person Dental Assistant course program or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of methods and techniques used in dental assisting.
• Working knowledge of terminology, materials, equipment, and instruments used in dentistry.
• Working knowledge of dental radiograph techniques and principles.
• Experience working in a public health or community clinic setting
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage your own and patient schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain patient records in accordance with practice guidelines and applicable regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage behavioral issues in a dental clinic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to address conflict in a direct and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with clients of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds as well as the ability to work with clients for whom English is a second language.
• Experience working with both in-person and telephonic or video interpreters in a clinical setting.

The most competitive applicants will have the following experiences and qualifications (Desired)

• Working knowledge of and experience providing trauma-informed care
• Experience with using EPIC software systems.
• Applicants bilingual in English and Spanish are encouraged to apply.

Supplemental Information

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person