Hourly Dental Assistant

Georgia Department of Public Health•DeKalb County, GA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Hourly Dental Assistant supports dentists in providing dental services by preparing patients, instruments, materials, and equipment for examinations and procedures. The role includes documenting patient medical and dental histories, taking and processing dental X-rays when authorized, providing chairside assistance, and completing post-treatment duties. The Dental Assistant follows infection prevention and control practices, cleans and sterilizes instruments, maintains patient records, provides basic oral health education, and supports front desk and administrative functions as needed. The position serves patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, and healthcare needs in a safe, welcoming, respectful environment, supporting DeKalb Public Health’s mission to improve community oral health. The role collaborates with dental and administrative teams, follows clinic protocols and assigned scope of training and authorization, maintains confidentiality, and refers clinical questions or concerns to appropriately licensed personnel. The work location rotates among North, Clifton Springs, and T.O. Vinson Health Centers.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and six months of experience in a dental setting, or completion of a technical school program in dental assisting.
Take and process dental X-rays only in accordance with applicable requirements, established protocols, and assigned authorization.
Follow established clinical protocols and perform assigned duties within the scope of training and authorization.
Maintain patient confidentiality and safeguard patient health information.
Communicate clearly and professionally and work collaboratively with patients, families, dental staff, and other healthcare personnel.
Follow infection-control, safety, clinical, and administrative procedures.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency to support communication with patients and families from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Experience assisting with dental examinations and treatment procedures.
Experience taking and processing dental X-rays.
Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, and common dental procedures.
Experience cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing dental instruments and equipment.
Experience maintaining dental records and using electronic health record systems.
Experience providing patient education and customer service in a dental, healthcare, or public health setting.

Responsibilities

Prepare patients, instruments, materials, and equipment for dental examinations and procedures; provide chairside assistance and anticipate procedural needs.
Help patients feel comfortable and provide assistance suited to their age, physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs.
Perform post-treatment duties, prepare treatment areas for the next patient, and replenish supplies.
Collect, document, and update patient medical and dental histories and other relevant patient information; maintain accurate, legible, timely records and protect confidential information.
Take and process dental X-rays when authorized, operate radiography equipment safely, and follow radiation safety practices.
Prepare dental materials and treatment trays; organize instruments, supplies, and equipment; report malfunctions and supply shortages.
Clean, disinfect, package, and sterilize dental instruments using approved procedures; follow infection-control practices and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Prepare and maintain treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and work surfaces; handle and dispose of contaminated materials, sharps, and regulated waste properly.
Monitor instrument-processing supplies, maintain sterilization documentation and logs, and report infection-control concerns and safety hazards.
Provide basic oral hygiene and dental care education, reinforce preventive and post-treatment instructions, and refer clinical questions or complex concerns to authorized clinical personnel.
Communicate respectfully and professionally with patients and families, supporting patient dignity, comfort, safety, and satisfaction.
Provide backup front desk support, including patient check-in, appointment-related activities, telephone inquiries, and routine office duties.
Enter, retrieve, organize, and maintain patient information, records, forms, reports, and administrative documentation using approved systems and technology.
Coordinate with dentists, dental staff, administrative personnel, and program leadership to support clinic operations and patient flow.
Maintain adequate supplies and assist with inventory tracking and restocking.
Follow clinic procedures, safety requirements, operational policies, and confidentiality requirements; participate in required meetings, training, and professional development.
Report scheduling, documentation, patient-flow, equipment, and safety concerns to appropriate personnel; perform other related duties as assigned.