Dental Assistant II

NORTHSHORE HEALTH CENTERS • Gary, IN

8d

About The Position

The Dental Assistant II assists dentists and dental hygienists in providing primary care dental services to patients of NorthShore Health Centers. The role performs patient intakes and takes and processes x-rays, sterilizes instruments, cleans and prepares operatories, and maintains inventory of dental instruments and supplies. It also provides assistance during dental procedures, performs simple laboratory tasks, records treatment information, and supports patient care and clinic operations. The position works in an office environment with frequent, ongoing interaction with patients and healthcare personnel; work may be stressful and interruptive. Travel within NorthShore locations is frequent, while travel outside those locations is rare.

Requirements

• High school diploma, transcripts, or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within two weeks of hire.
• Dental Radiographer License in the State of Indiana.
• 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 a sense of urgency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Competencies include planning and strategic foresight; responsible decision-making; integrity and accountability; innovation and creativity; adaptability and flexibility; leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution; professionalism and work ethic; and empathy.

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 and 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, and retracting and evacuating the oral cavity.
• Perform simple laboratory procedures, including pouring impressions, sterilizing instruments, fabricating acrylic impression trays, and fabricating temporary crowns and bridges.
• Assist the Lead Dental Assistant with ordering, stocking, inventorying, and distributing supplies; ensure supplies and equipment are cleaned and put away after use.
• Communicate positively and appropriately with patients to guide and reassure them and support the organization's patient care mission.
• Report malfunctioning operatory or x-ray equipment to the Lead Dental Assistant and help identify and report general clinic maintenance problems.
• Prepare, organize, and pack instruments and supplies.
• Take, pour, trim, and polish study casts and models.
• Assist the Lead Dental Assistant with completing daily huddles.
• Perform other duties as assigned; duties may change at management's discretion.

What This Job Offers

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