Dental Assistant I

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS • Lake Station, IN

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant I assists dentists and dental hygienists in providing primary care dental services to NorthShore Health Centers patients. The role includes conducting patient intakes, preparing patients and operatories for exams and procedures, sterilizing instruments, recording services and treatment information in electronic patient records, and helping maintain inventory of dental instruments and supplies. The assistant supports patients through clear, positive communication and helps carry out the organization’s patient-care mission. Work is performed in an office environment with frequent, ongoing contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel; work can be stressful and interruptive. Travel among NorthShore locations is frequent, while travel outside those locations is rare. Duties may include other assignments and may change at management’s discretion.

Requirements

• High school diploma, transcripts, or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within two weeks of hire.
• Ability to analyze situations and solve problems at strategic and tactical levels.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply relevant laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.
• Ability to acquire a thorough understanding of the organization’s hierarchy, jobs, qualifications, compensation practices, and related administrative practices.
• Organization and planning skills.
• Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain composure and use emotional intelligence.
• Ethical reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Receptiveness and responsiveness to feedback.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Time management, prioritization, and a sense of urgency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Nice To Haves

• Formal training as a dental assistant.
• Two years of experience working within a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Answer patient inquiries by phone or in person; receive and seat patients and prepare them for examinations or procedures.
• Dismiss patients and assist them from the office and procedure room; enter services rendered in patient records.
• Record treatment information in electronic patient records.
• Arrange equipment, pre-tray setups, dental materials, and supplies.
• Assist during dental procedures by transferring instruments, manipulating dental materials, retracting, and evacuating the oral cavity.
• Perform simple laboratory procedures, such as pouring impressions, sterilizing instruments, fabricating acrylic impression trays, and fabricating temporary crowns or bridges.
• Assist the lead with ordering, stocking, taking inventory, and distributing supplies.
• Ensure supplies and equipment are clean and put away after use.
• Communicate appropriately and positively with patients to guide and reassure them and support the organization’s patient-care mission.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED