Job Title: Dental Assistant

Job Description

This Dental Assistant position supports a clinic and multiple departments based on clinical needs. The role requires flexibility and a willingness to adapt to new situations and processes depending on the department being supported during each shift.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care and chairside support to surgeons, residents, interns, and students.
• Work within the dental team to address specific patient needs and provide educational and operative instruction.
• Perform duties such as suctioning, disinfection of treatment rooms and surgical suites, 4-and 6-handed dentistry, tray setup and breakdown, and instrument sterilization.
• Communicate post-operative instructions to patients, take impressions, and pour models.
• Organize the workday according to the patient schedule and manage patient records throughout the appointment.
• Take and record basic patient and vital information, work with providers to enter treatment plans and consents, and communicate with the scheduling team for follow-up appointments.
• Prepare instruments for sterilization and disinfect clinical rooms.
• Seek out and provide maintenance for equipment and instruments, assemble and organize supplies, manage inventory, and place orders as needed.
• Assist other dental assistants through training and guidance and support team initiatives.
• Guide dental students in four-handed dentistry and chairside techniques, reinforcing aseptic techniques, posture, chair positioning, instrument exchange, use of dental materials, and efficient operatory setup.
• Explain and demonstrate equipment care, evaluate students for infection control compliance, and match students with clinic partners, which may include patient assignments.
• Comply with state and national regulations, including OSHA and HIPAA, and perform job duties as an integral member of the healthcare team.

Essential Skills

• Graduate of accredited dental assisting program.
• 1+ year of experience as a chairside Dental Assistant within the last 5 years.
• Certification by the Oregon State Board Dentistry for Radiological Proficiency (DANB).
• BLS Certification through the American Heart Association.
• Experience in instrument sterilization.
• Proven reliability and excellent attendance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• EFDA certification is highly encouraged.
• Skills in chairside dental assisting and patient care.
• Competency in instrument sterilization and management of patient records.

Work Environment

The position operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, totaling 40 hours per week. The assignment length is 12 weeks, with a high likelihood of extension or conversion. The role requires physical ability to push, pull, lift, carry, stoop, turn, bend, squat, kneel, and reach above shoulders and below knees. The ability to stand and walk for extended periods, perform repetitive motions, and wear personal protective equipment is essential. The work environment includes the use of computers and job-related equipment.