Dental Assistant II (Lincoln) (4528)

SIU Medicine; Lincoln (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

SIU Medicine in Lincoln, IL seeks an On-Site Dental Assistant to provide chairside support, sterilize instruments, manage patient records, and assist with procedures within the FQHC setting. The role emphasizes efficiency, teamwork with dentists, hygienists, students, and staff to ensure quality patient care and smooth clinical workflows.

Responsibilities cover radiographs, patient prep, post-treatment instructions, inventory, scheduling, and coordination with laboratories.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited dental assisting program or CDA certification.
• Six months of dental assisting experience or equivalent.
• Ability to perform four-handed dentistry and use radiography equipment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; familiarity with electronic dental records.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced chairside assistance and transfer instruments for dental procedures.
• Prepare and seat patients; review medical/dental histories and document in the record.
• Expose/process radiographs with proper safety practices.
• Maintain sterile fields and assist with operative procedures as directed.
• Educate patients on post-treatment care and hygiene instructions.
• Coordinate with front office for scheduling and patient communications.
• Assist with inventory, lab coordination, and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Four-handed dentistry

Patient communication

Operative efficiency

Electronic records

Education

Dental assisting program or CDA certification

Tools

Radiography equipment

Sterilization techniques

Job description

The incumbent provides clinical and administrative support to ensure efficient delivery of quality dental care within SIU School of Medicine Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This position performs chairside assisting, prepares and sterilizes instruments, obtains dental radiographs, maintains patient records, and assists with dental procedures. The incumbent works collaboratively with dentists, dental hygienists, students, and administrative staff to support patient care, clinical workflows, and daily operations. Additional responsibilities include patient education, appointment scheduling, inventory management, and coordination of laboratory services.

This position is ON SITE only

PATIENT CARE 70%

• 1. Provide advanced four-handed chairside assistance; anticipate the needs of dentists, residents, faculty, and students; transfer instruments, prepare/manipulate materials, and support restorative, surgical, and other dental procedures.
• 2. Prepare and seat patients; review and update medical and dental histories, obtain pertinent information, and document care accurately in the electronic dental record, including dental charting and treatment entries.
• 3. Expose and process dental radiographs using appropriate radiation protection practices and applicable authorization requirements.
• 4. Maintain a clear, dry operative field using suction, retraction, and swabs; assist with sedation-related procedures as directed and within authorized scope.
• 5. Apply topical anesthetic and perform other delegated clinical tasks only as permitted by Illinois law, training, and supervision requirements.
• 6. Prepare operatories, pre-tray setups, instruments, equipment, and dental materials in advance of patient appointments; support efficient patient turnover.
• 7. Clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize instruments and equipment; maintain aseptic conditions, standard precautions, OSHA-compliant practices, and patient privacy/HIPAA safeguards.
• 8. Perform authorized laboratory procedures including taking impressions, pouring, trimming, and polishing study models; fabricate temporary crowns or provisional restorations as permitted by law and institutional policy.
• 9. Prepare laboratory prescriptions/slips, coordinate cases with outside dental laboratories, and track required materials and case returns.
• 10. Provide dentist-approved oral hygiene and post-treatment instructions; communicate compassionately with patients and support dental hygienists as needed.
• 11. Assist in demonstrating proper dental assisting techniques and clinic protocols to dental assistant students, dental students, or newly assigned staff as directed.
• 12. Identify equipment malfunctions and patient safety concerns; report promptly to the dentist or supervisor; perform related clinical duties as assigned.

INDIRECT PATIENT CARE 30%

• 13. Coordinate and schedule dental appointments, follow-up care, and patient communications in collaboration with the front office.
• 14. Receive, document, and route patient payments according to established cash-handling and financial procedures.
• 15. Gather information about patient dental concerns, prioritize requests under established protocols, and promptly refer clinical triage decisions to licensed dental professionals.
• 16. Monitor inventory, stock and rotate supplies, assist with ordering and distribution, and submit or follow up on equipment maintenance work orders.
• 17. Coordinate with dentists, students, hygienists, and administrative staff to maintain clinic flow, records, and patient readiness.

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one of the following categories below:
   1. Six (6 months) of work experience in dental assisting comparable to that performed at the Dental Assistant I level of this series.
   2. Graduation from an accredited Dental Assisting School.
   3. Current Certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) by the Dental Assisting National Board, if required by the employing institution.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA’s)

1. Knowledge and techniques needed in dental procedures and medicine pertaining to dental assistance (e.g., knowledge of four-handed dentistry).
2. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
3. Knowledge of computers to input data, access information, and/or create materials and documents using a variety of clinical software applications.
4. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
5. Ability to perform functions of administrative and clerical procedures managing files and records, designing forms, and managing inventory.
6. Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
7. Skill in interpersonal verbal and written communication.
8. Ability to build rapport with patients.
9. Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
10. Ability to remain continuously on task for several hours while sitting, standing, or moving.
11. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when speaking with patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
12. Ability to help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures; communicates appropriately and positively to guide and re‑assure patients.

Condition of Employment

Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.