Dental Assistant

Nevada Health Centers I • Elko, NV

5d

About The Position

The Dental Assistant provides assistance to dentists and hygienists in routine and emergency patient care across diagnostic, preventive, restorative, periodontal, endodontic, pediatric, orthodontic, oral surgery, and prosthodontic dentistry. The role prepares patients, treatment rooms, supplies, and equipment; assists providers during procedures; maintains infection-control practices and patient documentation; and provides oral-health education and compassionate patient support. The Dental Assistant works closely with providers and other staff to coordinate high-quality care and protect center property and assets.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Certification of completion of a Dental Assistant program or equivalent experience.
• BLS/CPR certification.
• Ability to read, write, and calculate mathematical figures.
• Knowledge of essential functions, practices, and procedures in a dental setting.
• Knowledge of medical examination, diagnostic, and treatment-room procedures.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures and documentation.
• Ability to assist providers using four-handed dental-assistant techniques.
• Ability to communicate in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to understand and respond appropriately, effectively, and sensitively to underserved populations.
• Knowledge of ADA and ICD-9-CM coding.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience as a dental assistant in general or pediatric dentistry.
• English/Spanish fluency.
• Skill in operating computer databases, including EHR/EMR.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients and treatment rooms for examinations and treatment.
• Take patient medical histories and chief-complaint information.
• Prepare and maintain treatment supplies and equipment, including sterilization.
• Observe infection-control policies.
• Assist dentists using four-handed dental-assistant techniques in operative, endodontic, oral surgery, orthodontic, pediatric, prosthodontic, and periodontal procedures. Tasks may include oral evacuation, fabricating temporary crowns and custom trays, taking impressions, mixing cements, and assisting with light-cured materials.
• Assist with cementing temporary crowns and removing excess cement; perform coronal polishing, suture removal, temporary restorations, and topical fluoride or sealant applications as directed by the dentist.
• Take simple X-rays.
• Complete and maintain patient documentation, files, records, and other information.
• Provide oral-health and oral-hygiene education and emotional support to patients.
• Attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested.
• Work with providers to receive guidance and instruction for treating patients.
• Maintain appropriate communication and interpersonal relationships with supervisors, providers, staff, and patients to coordinate care and provide high-quality service.
• Take necessary precautions to protect center assets and property against loss or waste through negligence or dishonesty.

Benefits

• Company-sponsored PPO medical plan with a buy-up option.
• Vision and dental plans.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Generous time-off policy.
• Ten paid holidays plus one float holiday.
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Company-paid long-term disability policy.

What This Job Offers

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