Dental Assistant: Patient Care, X-Rays & Lab Support

Primary Health Care Inc; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO accrual

License/certification fee reimbusement

Paid time off for continuing education

401k with company match

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Life & disability insurance

Flexible spending & health savings

Job summary

Primary Health Care Inc. in Ames, IA is hiring a Dental Assistant to support dentists and staff in patient care, office, and lab duties. You will prepare operatory setup, greet patients, record vital signs, and handle billing information, with a focus on accurate documentation and compassionate service.

The role requires completing an accredited dental assisting program, current QDA registration, and BLS. Expanded Functions training may lead to higher pay and career growth within PHC.

Qualifications

• Completion of accredited dental assisting program or equivalent training meeting Iowa Dental Board requirements.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn different software and database systems.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented with high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrates professionalism with ability to remain calm in all situations and show empathy.
• Licenses & Certifications: Current QDA Registration through the Iowa Dental Board
• Mandatory Reporter Training: Child and Dependent Adult Abuse recognized by the Iowa
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers Certification
• Must be obtained during introductory period if not current.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates positive patient experiences in the dental clinic while ensuring efficient and productive patient flow.
• Prepares operatory procedure set up and materials for patient visit.
• Greets and establishes rapport with patient, ensuring patient is treated with care and compassion throughout visit.
• Collects and records patient blood pressure, pulse, and health history.
• Collects and submits all patient services and billing information.
• Assists the care provider and supports the patient in the provision of optimal comprehensive care, before, during and after procedures.
• Completes dental x-rays in compliance with regulatory codes.
• Minimizes risk of radiation exposure to employees and patients applying proper procedures.
• Supports laboratory by pouring and trimming study models.
• Performs direct patient care as delegated by the dentist.
• Instructs patients and family members on general oral health care and information related to post-treatment care.
• Ensures services and patient education aligned with patient’s age and physical, psychosocial, educational, safety and cultural needs.
• Prepares and maintains dental instruments, materials, and equipment. Maintains documents for equipment maintenance as well as instrument and supply inventory.
• Performs pre-cleaning and transport of contaminated instruments and may perform sterile processing of instruments as assigned.
• Completes and maintains patient records and related documents in compliance with all regulations.
• Provides backup support for the front desk staff as needed.

Skills

MS Office

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Professionalism

Expanded Functions training

Education

Dental assisting program

Job description

Primary Health Care Inc. in Ames, IA is hiring a Dental Assistant to support dentists and staff in patient care, office, and lab duties. You will prepare operatory setup, greet patients, record vital signs, and handle billing information, with a focus on accurate documentation and compassionate service.

The role requires completing an accredited dental assisting program, current QDA registration, and BLS. Expanded Functions training may lead to higher pay and career growth within PHC.