Dental Assistant II

Howard University; Washington, Baltimore (District of Columbia, MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Work-Life Balance

Financial Wellness

Professional Development

Additional Perks

Job summary

Howard University in Washington, DC seeks a Dental Assistant to join our College of Dentistry. The role supports clinical, clerical, and educational activities in the dental office.

Under supervision of the Dentist, you will prepare clinics, assist chairside, sterilize instruments, educate patients, document care, and help maintain a safe, confidential environment.

Qualifications

• HS diploma and accredited dental assisting course completed
• OSHA training certification current
• Licensed as a Level I dental assistant in DC (DC)

Responsibilities

• Prepare clinics and treatment rooms per clinical dentistry protocols
• Assist dentist at chairside and manage instruments
• Sterilize, pass instruments, and maintain supplies
• Educate patients on oral hygiene and post-operative care
• Document care in patient records and protect confidentiality
• Maintain infection-control practices and comply with regulations

Skills

Infection Control

Patient Services

HIPAA Compliance

CPR Certification

Education

HS Diploma

Accredited Dental Assisting Course

OSHA Training

DC Level I Dental Assistant License

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here Is What We Offer

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Basic Function

Under the supervision of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant l is responsible for a wide range of tasks in the dental office. The Dental Assistant position is the most flexible and requires a diverse set of skills: clinical, clerical, interpersonal, and technological and more.

Supervisory Accountability

Involves no responsibility or authority for the direction of others.

Nature And Scope

External contacts include a variety of third-party payers, healthcare organizations, students, faculty, patients and other healthcare personnel.

Principal Accountabilities

• Prepares assigned clinics for sessions as per clinical dentistry protocols.
• Prepares treatment room for patient and students by following prescribed procedures and protocols for assigned clinic.
• Prepares patient for dental treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating, and draping patient as needed for assigned clinic.
• Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and requests.
• Provides instrumentation by sterilizing and delivering instruments to treatment area; positioning instruments for dentist's access; suctioning; passing instruments (when chairside assisting)
• Provides materials by selecting, mixing, and placing materials on instruments and in the patient's mouth.
• Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR certification, emergency drug and oxygen supply, and emergency telephone directory.
• Educates patients by giving oral hygiene, plaque control, and postoperative instructions when needed.
• Documents dental care services by charting in patient records per clinical protocols.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Maintains dental supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Conserves dental resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Cross covers for other clinics within the College of Dentistry as indicated by Clinical Manager (AD of Clinical Affairs).
• Reads and responds to emails in a timely manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Infection Control, Patient Services, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Listening, Teamwork, Bedside Manner, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Use of Medical Technologies, Performing Diagnostic Procedures.

The individual will maintain dental equipment according to accepted protocol will properly store and maintain supplies and prepare all instruments for patient treatment. Be able to provide patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult patient. Must consistently communicate and treat customers (patients, visitors, students, and all medical center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Person must have knowledge of information management and must maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information.

Minimum Requirements

HS diploma, completion of accredited course in dental assisting and OSHA training Certification, and current certification. Must be currently licensed as a level I dental assistant with a full, current, and unrestricted license for the District of Columbia.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $20.74 - $22.82