Dental Assistant

WOOD RIVER HEALTH•Hope Valley, RI

23d•Onsite

About The Position

Wood River Health is seeking a Dental Assistant to join its clinical team. This role supports dentists in providing high-quality patient care, helps maintain a professional office environment, and promotes a positive image of Wood River Health. The position is fully onsite, and the employee must be able and willing to work at the Hope Valley, Westerly, and Block Island locations as business needs require. Assignments may be scheduled at either site on a temporary, regular, or rotating basis. The Dental Assistant performs a broad range of clinical and administrative duties, including assisting with dental procedures, supporting infection control, maintaining supplies and equipment, educating and preparing patients, and managing documentation and records. The role must comply with HIPAA, organizational policies, and Wood River Health’s Compliance Program Standards, and support the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs. The posting offers full-time, benefit-eligible employment, and also notes opportunities for part-time and per-diem schedules. Wood River Health describes its work environment as supportive of work/life balance and employee well-being.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Certification in Radiation Health and Safety is required.
Must be able and willing to work at the Hope Valley, Westerly, and Block Island locations as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification preferred.
Minimum of one year of dental office experience preferred.
Electronic Dental Records experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the dentist during operative, endodontic, prosthodontic, and surgical procedures using four-handed techniques.
Position and expose digital radiography sensors.
Take impressions of patients’ teeth for cast stone models.
Review and record patients’ medical histories.
Take and record patients’ vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse.
Maintain infection-control standards by disinfecting operatory surfaces and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
Perform equipment maintenance duties, including cleaning autoclaves, changing solutions, and performing spore tests.
Monitor supply levels in each operatory and order supplies when appropriate.
Help patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment.
Provide post-visit oral-care instructions following procedures such as fillings, dentures, and extractions.
Teach patients oral hygiene strategies, including brushing, flossing, nutritional counseling, and fluoride supplementation.
Scan and abstract documents into electronic health and dental records.
Become proficient in navigating NextGen Electronic Practice Manager, Electronic Health Record, and Electronic Dental Record.
Process requests for release of patient information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
Perform clerical support functions required for daily operations of the Dental Department.
Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguard protected patient health information in accordance with HIPAA.
Support Wood River Health’s mission, vision, and values.
Adhere to organizational policies and procedures and the Wood River Health Compliance Program Standards.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs.
Work onsite at the Hope Valley, Westerly, and Block Island locations as business needs require; assignments may be temporary, regular, or rotating.