Dental - Dental Assistant

Marana Health•Tucson, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

MHC Healthcare is seeking a Dental Assistant to join the Dental team at the Marana Main Health Center in Marana, Arizona. The position promotes patients’ dental health by assisting Dentists and Dental Hygienists with the delivery of dental services. MHC Healthcare is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center with 17 sites in Tucson and Pima County, focused on providing exceptional, whole-person healthcare. The position does not direct or supervise others. The Dental Assistant supports patient care and clinical operations, including preparing treatment areas and patients, assisting during treatments, maintaining records and equipment, following infection-control procedures, coordinating outside lab work, and supporting supplies and workflow. The role also participates in required education programs and assists with training new hires and other Dental Assistants.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam or Dental Assistant Radiography Certification by Credential from the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (ASBDE).
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; may be completed with MHC upon hire.
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations.
Knowledge of infection-control protocols and procedures.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Computer proficiency.
Excellent customer service, organizational, and communication skills, with emphasis on responsiveness, building trust, mutual respect, and courtesy.
Cultural competence and commitment to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through work performance and professional interactions.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if applicable and directly related to the functions and knowledge required for the job.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Dental Assistant.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate from DANB.
Dental Assistant Coronal Polishing certificate from DANB.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Fingerprint Clearance Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety, or ability to obtain one upon hire; may be required for specific clinic assignments.

Responsibilities

Prepare treatment areas by pulling patient charts and cleaning, sterilizing, and setting up treatment areas and equipment.
Prepare patients for treatment by reviewing dental charts, greeting and seating patients, draping them, taking blood pressure as appropriate, and providing information about dental services.
Support Dentists by sterilizing and delivering instruments, positioning and passing instruments, and suctioning during treatments.
Select, mix, and arrange bases and impression materials.
Electronically mount and file dental x-rays according to department procedures.
Counsel patients on dental health, obtain consent for extractions and treatments, provide aftercare instructions, and schedule follow-up appointments.
Complete patient and department records in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Follow infection-control policies and procedures to protect patients and employees.
Maintain safe and proper equipment operation through preventive maintenance, following manufacturer instructions, reporting malfunctions, requesting repairs, and maintaining inventory.
Perform spore testing to verify proper autoclave function and safe instrument sterilization.
Maintain supply inventory, ensure appropriate stock, avoid overstocking, observe expiration dates, and consider budgetary requirements.
Ensure treatment areas are adequately stocked and ready for use.
Participate in required in-services and education programs.
Use appropriate channels to report, discuss, and resolve problems or concerns, and collaborate constructively to support team effectiveness.
Communicate with specialist offices and coordinate outside lab work by preparing lab slips and monitoring cases in and out.
Maintain adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) stocks and maintain certification and proper use of personal PPE, including gowns, masks, and N95 respirators.
Assist with purchasing by obtaining quotes and purchase orders, placing orders, and tracking incoming products.
Assist with laundering dental lab coats, blankets, and other items washed in-house.
Train and assist new hires and other Dental Assistants in learning tasks and workflows.