Dental Assistant I

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS • Hammond, IN

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant I assists dentists and dental hygienists in providing primary care dental services to patients of NorthShore Health Centers. The role performs patient intakes, sterilizes instruments, cleans and prepares operatories, and helps maintain inventory of dental instruments and supplies. The position also involves frequent contact with patients and healthcare personnel and frequent travel among NorthShore locations. Work is performed in an office environment and may be stressful, with constant and interruptive interaction with others. Duties may include other responsibilities as assigned and may change at management’s discretion.

Requirements

• High school diploma, transcripts, or equivalent.
• Obtain 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 applicable 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 operate with 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 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, including pouring impressions, sterilizing instruments, fabricating acrylic impression trays, and fabricating temporary crowns or bridges.
• Assist the lead with ordering, stocking, inventorying, 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.
• Travel frequently among NorthShore locations; travel outside NorthShore locations is rare.

What This Job Offers

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