Dental Assistant II

Northshore Health Centers; Gary (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Northshore Health Centers in Gary, IN is seeking a Dental Assistant I to support dentists and hygienists in delivering primary dental care. You will handle patient intakes, sterilize instruments, prepare operatories, and assist with inventory management.

The role requires a High School Diploma and BLS certification; preferred formal dental assisting training and experience in healthcare. You will interact with patients, document treatment data, and work in a team‑oriented, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 2 weeks of hire is preferred.
• Formal dental assisting training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentist and hygienist, prepare and sterilize instruments.
• Seat patients, take intake information, and document services rendered.
• Record treatment data in electronic health records.
• Prepare operatories, arrange supplies, and manage instruments.
• Provide chair-side assistance during procedures and transfer instruments.
• Assist with inventory control and stock dental supplies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Time management

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

Formal dental assistant training

Tools

Dental software basics

Sterilization equipment familiarity

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Gary, IN 46404

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 patient’s 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