Dental Assistant

Willamette Dental•Coeur d'Alene, ID

14d•$22 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

With an emphasis on patient comfort and satisfaction, the Dental Assistant supports dentists, hygienists, denturists, and other providers in delivering dental care and services to achieve the best possible patient treatment. The position performs dental procedures permitted under applicable state laws and regulations and works under a dentist’s supervision, providing four-handed dentistry and other dental assisting within the scope of the state dental practice act. The role includes preparing and maintaining instruments, equipment, and materials; taking and developing dental radiographs; collecting medical history and vital signs; taking dental impressions; counseling patients on post-operative care and general oral health; and cleaning and sterilizing instruments. The assistant maintains an organized sterilization area, follows company protocols and OSHA/WISHA regulations, and adheres to personal protective equipment requirements, including use of N95 respirators and other required PPE. Travel to other Willamette Dental locations within a reasonable range may be needed based on business needs. Reliable and predictable attendance is essential. This full-time position is based at the Coeur d'Alene Practice and is scheduled for four 10-hour shifts. The expected hiring range is $22.00–$34.00 per hour, depending on experience and other factors. The position is eligible for incentive pay under the Company’s plan. The work is primarily performed sitting and/or standing, with occasional walking, bending, stooping, and carrying light items; the incumbent also uses a computer and standard office equipment. The role may involve exposure to protected health information, which must be handled consistently with HIPAA.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Credentials to function as a Dental Assistant under state requirements, including appropriate credentials per state regulations.
Sealant certification.
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to perform dental assisting procedures within applicable state laws and regulations.
Ability to follow PPE requirements and applicable safety protocols.
Reliable and predictable attendance.
Ability to occasionally walk, bend, stoop, and carry light items, and to use a computer and standard office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an ADA-accredited dental assisting program.
Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) qualification; preferred in Idaho.

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain instruments, equipment, and materials for dental procedures while helping patients remain relaxed and comfortable.
Perform four-handed dentistry and dental assisting under dentist supervision and within the scope of the applicable state dental practice act.
Communicate with patients, counsel them on post-operative care and general oral health, and demonstrate an understanding of evidence-based dentistry.
Take and develop dental radiographs.
Ask patients about their medical history and take blood pressure and pulse.
Take impressions of patients’ teeth for study casts.
Clean and sterilize instruments according to company policies and OSHA/WISHA regulations in the protocol manual.
Maintain a clean and organized sterilization area.
Wear required protective clothing, gloves, masks, and eyewear, following the Company’s PPE policy, including requirements for N95 respirators and other PPE.
Travel to other WD locations within a reasonable range as needed based on business needs.
Maintain reliable and predictable attendance at scheduled work times.
Handle protected health information consistently with HIPAA.