Dental Assistant - NonExempt

NorthShore Health Centers; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthShore Health Centers seeks a Dental Assistant to support dental professionals in delivering primary care services. This entry-level position involves patient interaction, maintaining equipment, and ensuring proper hygiene practices in a busy healthcare environment. Ideal candidates will have an Associate's degree in Radiography and strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Rad-Tech License in Indiana required.
• Preferred two years of healthcare experience.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

• Assists dentists and hygienists in dental procedures.
• Handles patient intakes and processes x-rays.
• Maintains inventory for dental supplies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Time management

Emotional intelligence

Education

Associate's degree in Radiography

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join to apply for the Dental Assistant - NonExempt role at NorthShore Health Centers.

Summary/Objective

The Dental Assistant 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, exposes and processes x-rays, and is also responsible for sterilization of instruments, cleaning and preparing operatories. The Dental Assistant maintains inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. This position requires travel between NSHC Dental sites as needed.

Essential Functions

• Assists patients in resolving minor difficulties, answering questions, and giving directions as authorized by the dentist or dental hygienist.
• Exposes and processes x-rays and duplicates when necessary, ensuring all exposures are suitable for diagnosis.
• Serves as provider’s chair-side assistant, assisting with all dental procedures.
• Provides supportive care for patients at all times.
• Keeps the operatory neat and clean during procedures and disinfects thoroughly before each patient use.
• Keeps handpieces properly maintained.
• Adheres to infection control policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Inventories and maintains dental supplies and equipment; provides purchasing information for timely reordering.
• Restocks rooms as necessary.
• Maintains patient dental records in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Prepares for the following day's schedule, ensuring proper equipment and materials are present.
• Takes vital signs and reviews patient health history, updating as necessary.
• Handles protected health information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA.
• Performs expanded function duties as necessary.
• Prepares reports and documentation as required.
• Attends meetings and training sessions, completing NS Academy requirements.
• Executes other assigned tasks as needed.

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 with frequent contact with patients and healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times and involves constant interaction.

Travel

Travel outside NorthShore locations will be rare.

Role Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have reliable transportation
• Rad-Tech License in Indiana

Preferred Experience

Two years of healthcare experience preferred.

Minimum Education

Associate’s degree in Radiography.

Preferred Education

Bachelor’s degree in Radiography.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Organizational and planning skills
• Critical thinking and emotional intelligence
• Attention to detail
• Feedback receptiveness
• Time management
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Physical Requirements

Prolonged sitting/standing, lifting up to 50 lbs, and other physical tasks as described. Reasonable accommodations available.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Other

Job function

• Health Care Provider

Industries

• Hospitals and Health Care