Dental Assistant I

NorthShore Health Centers; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthShore Health Centers, Inc. seeks a Dental Assistant I to support dentists and hygienists in delivering primary dental care. Responsibilities include patient intake, operatory preparation, instrument sterilization, and inventory control.

The role involves documenting procedures in electronic records and communicating with patients to ensure a smooth visit. Required: High School Diploma and BLS within 2 weeks of hire; preferred: formal dental assistant training and healthcare experience.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; BLS certification within 2 weeks of hire.
• Formal training as a dental assistant preferred; two years in healthcare is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentist and dental hygienist during procedures and prepare operatories.
• Sterilize instruments, arrange supplies, and manage inventory.
• Record procedures in electronic patient records and ensure accurate documentation.
• Greet and prepare patients, answer inquiries, and guide patients through visits.
• Communicate with patients in a positive manner and support patient care.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

BLS certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Summary/Objective

The Dental Assistant I is responsible for assisting the dentist(s) and dental hygienist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients of NorthShore Health Centers. The assistant performs patient intakes and is responsible for sterilization of instruments, cleaning and preparing operatories. In addition, the Dental Assistant I assist in maintaining inventory control of dental instruments and supplies.

Essential Functions

• Answer patients inquiries (on phone or in person), receives and seats patients, and prepares patient for exam/procedure.
• Dismisses patients, assisting them from office and procedure room, enters services rendered on patients records.
• Recording treatment information in electronic patient records.
• Arranges equipment, pre-tray setups, dental materials and supplies.
• Provide assistance during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating dental materials, retracting and evacuating oral cavity.
• Perform simple laboratory procedures (such as pouring impressions, sterilizing instruments, fabricating acrylic impression trays, fabricating temporary crowns/bridges).
• Assist lead in the ordering, stocking, taking inventory, distribution of supplies, ensures supplies and equipment are clean and put away after use.
• Communicate directly with patients; communicates in an appropriate and positive manner to guide and re-assure patients, as well as supports the patient care mission of the organization.

*These essential functions are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities. The position will include other duties as assigned, and duties are subject to change at management's discretion.

Competencies

• Planning and strategic foresight
• Responsible Decision Making
• Integrity and accountability
• Innovation and creativity
• Adaptive and flexible
• Leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution
• Professionalism and work ethic
• Empathy

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent personal and telephone contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive.

Travel

Travel within Northshore locations will be frequent for this position. Travel outside of Northshore locations will be rare for this position.

Required Role Qualifications

• High School Diploma, Transcripts, or Equivalent
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certified within 2 weeks of hire

Preferred Role Qualifications

• Formal training as a dental assistant
• Two years of experience working within a healthcare setting

Required Skills

• Ability to analyze situations and solve problems at strategic and tactical levels
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factors
• Practiced at organization and planning
• Employ Critical thinking and problem solving
• Maintains composure and operates with emotional intelligence
• Ethical reasoning and decision-making
• Strong attention to detail
• Receptive and responsive to feedback
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Time management, prioritization, and sense of urgency
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software