Dental Assistants

Sedona Staffing Services; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Sedona Staffing Services is seeking a Dental Assistant for the 1st shift who will support the Dentist with patient care, prepare treatment areas and instruments, assist during procedures, and educate patients. The role requires no certification to start, benefits from OSHA-aligned safety practices, and potential travel within the practice for coverage.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Diploma or certificate from an approved dental assisting program.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients, instruments, materials, and treatment areas.
• Provide chairside assistance during dental procedures.
• Respond to emergencies per OSHA and office protocols.
• Maintain CPR certification and record patient histories and vital signs.
• Expose radiographs per regulations and document treatment data.
• Instruct patients on oral hygiene and home-care practices.

Skills

Patient care

CPR certification

HIPAA

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Diploma or certificate from dental assisting program

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

DENTAL ASSISTANTS

SHIFT: 1ST

CERTIFICATION NOT REQUIRED TO START

WAGE: $18-$22/HOUR

Position Summary

The Dental Assistant supports the Dentist in providing high-quality patient care by performing a variety of clinical, administrative, and patient-support responsibilities. This position prepares patients and treatment areas, maintains instruments and equipment, assists chairside during dental procedures, and provides patients with appropriate education, attention, and emotional support.

Essential Functions

• Assist the Dentist with patient examinations, procedures, and treatments by preparing patients, instruments, materials, and treatment areas.
• Provide chairside assistance during dental procedures, including the administration of nitrous oxide.
• Respond appropriately to dental and medical emergencies in accordance with OSHA requirements and office protocols.
• Maintain current CPR certification.
• Take and accurately document patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
• Expose dental diagnostic radiographs in accordance with applicable regulations and office procedures.
• Record treatment information accurately in patient records.
• Provide patients with instruction regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, and recommended home-care practices.
• Obtain preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
• Clean and polish removable dental appliances.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain dental instrument trays and materials needed for procedures.
• Anticipate the Dentist's needs and efficiently provide instruments, materials, and other assistance during examinations and procedures to promote patient comfort and treatment efficiency.
• Sterilize and disinfect instruments and maintain appropriate infection-control procedures.
• Follow OSHA requirements, hazard-control protocols, and all applicable office safety standards.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and identify when equipment requires additional service or repair.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional clinical environment.
• Represent the practice in a professional, courteous, pleasant, and cooperative manner at all times.
• Maintain regular attendance, adhere to assigned schedules, and follow office policies and procedures.
• Manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and assignments efficiently.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Participate in continuing education, training, seminars, or other professional-development activities; occasional travel by car or air may be required.
• Assist in other areas of the practice and perform additional duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Maintain strict patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Provide compassionate, respectful, and attentive patient care.
• Maintain a professional demeanor when working around blood, bodily fluids, unpleasant odors, or other conditions commonly encountered in a dental setting.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, particularly when working in confined spaces and while maintaining patient safety and comfort.
• Anticipate the needs of the Dentist and patients and proactively provide appropriate assistance.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to take on changing responsibilities and assist in other areas of the practice as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow OSHA requirements, infection-control standards, office safety procedures, and established hazard-control protocols.
• Follow practice policies and procedures when handling or collecting patient payments.
• Maintain required certifications and training.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate active listening by giving full attention to others, understanding information and instructions, asking appropriate questions, and responding thoughtfully.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
• Provide a high level of customer service through positive, professional, and respectful communication.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Dentists, patients, coworkers, and other members of the practice team.
• Demonstrate strong reading comprehension and the ability to understand written instructions, policies, procedures, and work-related documents.

Organizational & Technical Skills

• Demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Demonstrate basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Apply sound judgment and analytical skills when performing assigned duties and responsibilities.

Education & Experience

Required

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Diploma or certificate from an approved dental assisting program.

Sedona Staffing Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer