Orthodontic Dental Assistant

SALT Dental Partners; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Supportive work environment

Opportunities for mentorship and career growth

Job summary

SALT Dental Partners in Yakima, Washington, is seeking a skilled Dental Assistant to join their exceptional orthodontics team. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of experience and be passionate about making an impact on patients' lives. We offer a supportive work environment with competitive compensation and opportunities for mentorship and growth.

As a Dental Assistant, you will assist providers, maintain a patient-centric atmosphere, and ensure compliance with regulations. Join us to be part of a dedicated and compassionate team!

Qualifications

• Two or more years of practical experience as a dental assistant.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Be organized and possess superior knowledge of dentistry and dental terminology.

Responsibilities

• Greet and engage patients with respect and a smile.
• Ensure patients are informed and comfortable during their appointment.
• Take and process dental radiographs and impressions.
• Prepare and sterilize treatment room and equipment.
• Provide chair-side assistance during treatment procedures.
• Maintain a clean, sterile, and patient-centric working environment.
• Train new hires with established skills checklist.

Skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of dentistry and dental terminology

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Education

Completion of a CODA-accredited dental assisting program

CPR or BCLS certification

Job description

Join Our Exceptional Orthodontics Team! Are you a passionate, dedicated professional looking to make a significant impact on patients’ lives while enjoying a supportive work environment? Look no further!

Overview

We are a thriving orthodontics practice committed to providing top‑notch orthodontics care to our community. With state‑of‑the‑art facilities and a focus on patient comfort and satisfaction, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive orthodontics services with a personal touch. Our team is comprised of skilled professionals who share a common goal of excellence in orthodontics and compassionate patient care.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Supportive work environment with modern facilities and advanced technology.
• Opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
• A diverse patient population and rewarding clinical experiences.

Responsibilities

• Greet and engage patients with respect and a smile.
• Ensure patients are well informed and comfortable before, during, and after their appointment.
• Take and process dental radiographs, impressions and intraoral photos.
• Prepare and sterilize treatment room and equipment.
• Provide chair‑side assistance to providers during treatment procedures.
• Maintain a clean, sterile, and patient‑centric working environment.
• Ensure strict compliance with state, federal, and other regulations (e.g., OSHA, WC, Dental Board, HIPAA, ADA, DOL, Employee Handbook).

Lead Responsibilities

• Train all new hires with established skills checklist (recare and restorative).
• Direct and lead Dental Assistants in continuous process improvements.
• Lead clinical staff in cleanliness throughout the dental office location.
• Ensure a smooth patient workflow in collaboration with front office staff and clinical teams.
• Collaborate with Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager to improve and provide better patient care.
• Maintain knowledge as a resource to other clinical staff and use their expertise to improve patient care.
• Develop other Dental Assistants through monthly training sessions and one‑on‑ones.
• Provide daily chart audits to ensure accuracy for billing and train staff not meeting documentation expectations.
• Assist in the efficient transition of new Dental Assistant staff.
• Offer issue resolution and workflow recommendations for continuous process improvements.
• Assist the Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager with marketing as needed.

Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of practical experience as a dental assistant.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• Completion of a CODA‑accredited dental assisting program (Preferred).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a desire for professional growth.
• Be organized and possess superior knowledge of dentistry and dental terminology.

Inventory Management

• Maintain a running list of dental supplies and monitor expirations.
• Work with Practice Manager to request supplies, repairs, or maintenance efficiently.
• Ensure ordering adheres to inventory budget.

Compliance

• Maintain strict compliance with state, federal, and other regulations.
• Exhibit professionalism: patience, communication skills, and customer service.
• Perform job duties with a positive attitude and dedication to hard work.
• Problem‑solve through critical thinking and provide solutions.
• Abide by all PPE standards and practice universal precautions.
• Minimize waste, fraud, and abuse.
• Report hazardous situations and be knowledgeable of spill containment.
• Ensure SDS and emergency kits are up to date and compliant with OSHA.
• Inspect, test, and log autoclave, eye wash, water line, and other necessary systems.
• Ensure weekly monitoring of autoclave systems via spore testing and other biological testing.