Dental Assistant I (0197) - Quincy

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine•Quincy, IL

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant I provides clinical and administrative support to dental faculty, residents, students, and other members of the dental care team. The role assists with clinical environments, patient care coordination, and dental-specific administrative functions needed for efficient clinic operations. Responsibilities include direct dental assisting and administrative and patient coordination duties that support patient access, clinical scheduling, treatment coordination, documentation, and continuity of care. Work areas may be assigned according to operational needs, patient volume, and staffing requirements. This position is onsite only. The role prepares operatories, equipment, instruments, supplies, and patient records; assists dental providers during procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques; exposes dental radiographs under the direction of a licensed dentist; supports patient preparation and care; and cleans, disinfects, sterilizes, and organizes instruments and treatment areas. It also documents clinical information, supports inventory and clinic readiness, and communicates procedure-related information to patients as directed by dentists. Administrative and coordination work includes scheduling and managing appointments, assisting with check-in and check-out, maintaining electronic dental records, coordinating treatment plans, referrals, recalls, and follow-up, and communicating with patients and clinical teams. The incumbent must maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, institutional policies, and applicable privacy requirements. An out-of-state resident hired into the position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date. Pre-employment background screening is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Knowledge of dental procedures and techniques, including four-handed dentistry.
Knowledge of customer and personal service principles, including assessing customer needs, meeting service quality standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
Ability to perform administrative and clerical procedures, including managing files and records, designing forms, and managing inventory.
Computer knowledge sufficient to input data, access information, and create materials and documents using clinical software applications.
Knowledge of English language structure and content, including word meanings and spelling, composition, and grammar.
Active listening skills, including understanding others, asking appropriate questions, and avoiding inappropriate interruptions.
Interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build rapport with patients.
Ability to quickly move one or both hands, with or without the arms, to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Ability to remain continuously on task for several hours while sitting, standing, or moving.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when communicating with patients, peers, faculty, and staff.
Ability to help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental procedures and to communicate positively to guide and reassure them.
Out-of-state residents hired into the position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.
Successful completion of required pre-employment background screening.

Responsibilities

Prepare dental operatories, equipment, instruments, supplies, and patient records.
Assist dentists, faculty, residents, and dental students during examinations and procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques, including instrument transfer, material preparation, retraction, and evacuation.
Expose dental radiographs under the direction of a licensed dentist.
Receive, escort, and seat patients in treatment areas and prepare them for examinations and procedures.
Clean, disinfect, and prepare operatories between patients in accordance with infection prevention protocols.
Follow OSHA regulations, standard precautions, and institutional infection prevention and safety policies.
Clean, sterilize, package, and organize dental instruments and equipment, including placing disposable barriers.
Assist with ordering, stocking, inventory management, and distribution of instruments, materials, and clinical supplies.
Document clinical information and update patient records.
Communicate procedure, preparation, and post-treatment instructions to patients as directed by dentists.
Maintain clinical readiness by monitoring supplies, equipment availability, and operatory maintenance.
Coordinate appointments for new patients, follow-up visits, treatment, and provider-specific scheduling needs.
Manage appointment schedules to support appropriate use of dental operatories.
Answer clinic telephone calls, respond to patient inquiries, and route clinical questions.
Greet patients, verify appointment information, and facilitate check-in and check-out.
Maintain accurate patient demographic, contact, and appointment information in the electronic dental record.
Review daily schedules for treatment needs, preparation requirements, and potential conflicts.
Coordinate appointments involving multiple procedures, providers, residents, students, or specialty services.
Communicate with clinical personnel about patient arrivals, schedule changes, cancellations, and treatment readiness.
Assist with cancellations, rescheduling, patient reminders, and open appointment availability.
Maintain recall and follow-up scheduling to promote continuity of care and timely completion of recommended treatment.
Assist with obtaining, organizing, and maintaining dental records.
Coordinate incoming and outgoing referrals, including communication with patients and clinical personnel.
Support treatment-plan coordination by scheduling procedures, communicating provider-approved instructions, and arranging follow-up.
Support patient registration and collection of dental forms, medical histories, consent documentation, and other clinic paperwork.
Provide dental-specific administrative support to faculty, residents, students, and dental staff.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, institutional policies, and applicable privacy requirements.
Perform other related clinical and administrative duties as assigned.