Dental Assistant - Team Lead - Cherry Street Health Center

Cherry Health • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Dental Assistant - Lead is responsible for providing chair-side support in dental procedures and ensuring the smooth operation of the dental office. This role includes leading the team in answering staff questions, resolving issues, managing schedules, and assisting the dentist during procedures. The Lead Dental Assistant maintains a clean and efficient work area, ensures proper sterilization, and monitors inventory. The position also involves educating patients on proper oral hygiene and providing post-operative instructions.

Requirements

• Basic Life Support/CPR certification as required by licensing and/or certification.
• Ability to interact with a diverse patient population in a professional and engaging manner.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate effectively with other dental staff.
• Flexibility to travel or be assigned to other sites based on business needs.
• Ability to translate or communicate in other languages if applicable.
• GED or high school diploma required.
• Yearly internal skills assessment is required.
• Successful completion of radiology competency set by the State of Michigan preferred.
• A minimum of one year of dental chairside experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Possible exposure to patients/clients with illnesses and/or infections.
• Frequent use of telephone and computer, requiring manual dexterity.
• Sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• May require bending, squatting, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
• May serve all populations.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of radiology competency set by the State of Michigan preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary resource for staff questions and resolve issues related to dental procedures and office operations.
• Create and manage staff schedules, approve time and PTO requests through the time and attendance system.
• Assist the manager with addressing staff performance concerns and participate in corrective action and performance review processes.
• Escort patients, prepare them for treatment, and assist in educating and promoting proper oral hygiene.
• Support the dentist during procedures by setting up trays, disinfecting equipment, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining a clean work area.
• Maintain accurate patient records and assist in documenting patient information.
• Provide oral hygiene and post-operative instructions to patients and guardians.
• Take radiographs (x-rays) as per certification and assist with imaging procedures.
• Assist with completing instrument transfers during procedures.
• Take alginate impressions, pour, and trim models.
• Ensure an aseptic environment and practice universal precautions.
• Monitor dental supplies and place orders as needed to maintain stock.
• Under the direction of the dentist, assist in dental procedures in a hospital operating room, following similar duties performed in the clinic setting. Hospital orientation is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5%
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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