Lead Dental Assistant

NorthShore Health Centers; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

NorthShore Health Centers is seeking a Senior Dental Assistant to supervise dental assistants, assist the dentist and hygienists, and manage operatory setup and sterilization across multiple NSHC sites.

The role includes training staff, scheduling, inventory control, and ensuring compliance with infection control and privacy policies. Travel between NSHC Dental sites is required, with administrative time allocated for inventory and scheduling tasks.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising dental assistants and coordinating staff.
• Knowledge of radiography safety and dental imaging processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply dental health policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Supervise dental assistants and train staff.
• Schedule staff to ensure smooth patient flow.
• Maintain operatory supply inventory and order dental materials.
• Travel between NSHC Dental sites for operational needs.
• Maintain infection control and sterilization protocols.
• Operate and train others on EDR/EHR systems.

Skills

Staff supervision

Staff training

Scheduling

Communication

EDR/EHR proficiency

Infection control

Education

Associate’s degree in Radiography

Bachelor’s degree in Radiography

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary/ObjectiveThe Senior Dental Assistant is responsible for supervising the dental assistants and aids in their training, and 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. Additionally, the Senior 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, in addition, the Dental Assistant maintains inventory control of dental instruments and supplies. This position requires travel between NSHC Dental sites as needed.The Senior Dental Assistant is given 16 hours of weekly administrative time to maintain inventory control of dental instruments and supplies by completing a monthly order for all dental locations. This time is also allotted to complete the dental assistant schedules. This position requires travel between NSHC Dental sites as needed. Travel is to be completed on administrative time allotted.Essential FunctionsPerforms independent procedures as delegated and directed by the Dental Program Manager/Dentist to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.Schedules staff so the sufficient amount of support staff is available to assure smooth patient flow.Works Co-operatively and closely with all staff and dentists to effectively communicate information that is pertinent to the treatment and services provided by the dentist assuring smooth patient flow.Maintains adequate operatory supplies and compiles a list of individual item shortages for inventory control and ordering purposes.Maintains Dental Department equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s directions and Dental Department policy and protocol.Participates in all screening of dental assistant applicants.Trains staff to use electronic dental records. (EDR) (EHR)Maintains a working knowledge of practice policies and procedures.Prepares reports and other documentation as required.Attends meetings and training sessions as required.Participates in staff evaluation and corrective actions, both verbal and written.Executes other verbal or written specific assigned tasks, requiring similar or lesser skills and abilities, some of which are continuing while others are occasional in nature.Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinic business and patient care of the Dental Department.Travels on administrative time, when necessary, to meet operational needs.The Senior Dental assistant also performs essential job functions of a dental assistant including: patient intake, exposing and processing x-rays, and is responsible for sterilization of instruments, as well as cleaning and preparing operatories.Maintains inventory control of dental instruments and supplies by completing a weekly order for all dental locations.Responsible for personal compliance in full with all applicable federal, state, local and center rules, regulations, protocols and procedures including but not limited to the participation of Dental Assistant in the provision of clinical dental care, as well as those relating to, but not limited to personnel issues, work place safety, public health and confidentiality.Performs all functions in full compliance with the center’s and the Dental Department Exposure Control Plan, Blood Borne Pathogens guidelines including but not limited to the use of Personal Protective Equipment and Universal Precautions.Adheres to the NorthShore Health Centers dental infection control policies, procedures, and protocols.Completes weekly schedules and ensures clinics have adequate assistant needs met.*These essential functions are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the position, and are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities. The position will include other duties as assigned and duties are subject to change at management's discretion.CompetenciesPlanning and strategic foresightResponsible Decision MakingIntegrity and accountabilityInnovation and creativityAdaptive and flexibleLeadership, teamwork, and conflict resolutionProfessionalism and work ethicEmpathyWork EnvironmentWork is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent personal and telephone contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive.TravelTravel outside of Northshore locations will be rare for this position.Role QualificationsMust be at least 18 years of ageMust have reliable transportationRad-Tech License in the State of IndianaCPR CertificationPreferred Experience RequirementsTwo years of experience working within a healthcare setting.Minimum Education RequirementsAssociate’s degree in RadiographyPreferred Education RequirementBachelor’s degree in RadiographyRequired SkillsAbility to analyze situations and solve problems at strategic and tactical levelsExcellent interpersonal and customer service skillsAbility to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policiesAbility to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization's hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and the administrative practices related to those factorsPracticed at organization and planningEmploy Critical thinking and problem solvingMaintains composure and operates with emotional intelligenceEthical reasoning and decision-makingStrong attention to detailReceptive and responsive to feedbackExcellent verbal and written communication skillsTime management, prioritization, and sense of urgencyProficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related softwarePhysical RequirementsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, work longer than eight (8) hour shifts, and to work both day/evening/weekend shifts. Work may include hand dexterity as well as the need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.