Dental Assistant (Marion, SC)

Health Care Partners•Marion, SC

About The Position

The Dental Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to dentists and the dental care team to help deliver safe, efficient, high-quality patient care. The role supports the mission of Health Care Partners of South Carolina by providing compassionate, patient-centered oral healthcare to the communities it serves. The Dental Assistant prepares patients and treatment areas, assists with a variety of dental procedures, obtains and processes radiographs, records clinical information, and provides patient education. The position also performs chairside and laboratory tasks, maintains instruments and operatories according to infection-prevention guidelines, helps manage supplies and equipment, and supports scheduling and other administrative needs. Travel between the organization’s dental locations may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Current Dental Assistant certification as required by the State of South Carolina.
Knowledge of dental assisting principles, chairside procedures, radiography, sterilization techniques, and infection-prevention practices.
Knowledge of OSHA and CDC infection-prevention guidelines and HIPAA regulations.
Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and establish positive working relationships with patients, providers, and coworkers.

Nice To Haves

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
At least one year of experience as a Dental Assistant in a dental office, community health center, or similar clinical setting.
Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.

Responsibilities

Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and materials for patient care and dental procedures.
Welcome, prepare, and assist patients before, during, and after treatment.
Assist dentists during examinations, restorative procedures, oral surgery, extractions, endodontic, pediatric, and other dental procedures.
Obtain and process dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders and applicable safety standards.
Record and update patient medical and dental histories, vital signs when appropriate, and other clinical information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
Educate patients about oral hygiene, preventive care, post-operative instructions, and treatment recommendations.
Perform chairside and laboratory duties, including taking impressions, pouring models, and preparing dental materials as permitted by state regulations.
Clean, disinfect, sterilize, and maintain dental instruments, equipment, operatories, and treatment areas in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and infection-prevention guidelines.
Monitor dental supplies, instruments, and equipment; report maintenance needs; and assist with inventory management and ordering.
Assist with appointment scheduling, patient follow-up, referrals, and other administrative tasks as needed.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation of patient care and clinical activities in the EHR.
Protect patient confidentiality and health information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, continuing education, and organizational quality-improvement initiatives.
Travel between Health Care Partners of South Carolina dental locations as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.