Dental Assistant

UCFS Healthcare • Norwich, CT

2d • $22 - $23

About The Position

UCFS is seeking a Dental Assistant to support dentists in the direct provision of dental care and help ensure the efficient daily operation of the dental clinic. The role uses four-handed dentistry and includes digital radiography and impression scanning, sterilization and disinfection, tracking laboratory work, maintaining supplies, and routine patient communications and scheduling. The Dental Assistant also participates in staff meetings, safety programs, and continuing education, and may perform other related operational duties as assigned by the Lead Dental Assistant.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. UCFS is a Federally Qualified Health Center providing integrated services, including behavioral health, primary care, dental care, and case management. The organization emphasizes collaborative, patient-centered care and improving community health and well-being.

Requirements

• High school education.
• Completion of a Dental Assisting Program.
• Certification for Dental Assisting in Connecticut.
• Strong clinical skills and knowledge of dental practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and working knowledge of MS Office.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in a clinical dental setting is preferred.
• DANB certification for Dental Assisting is highly preferred.
• DANB certification for Radiology is highly preferred.
• DANB certification in Infection Control is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists with dental procedures using four-handed dentistry.
• Expose digital radiographs, scan for digital impressions, and pour models according to accepted practices and department standards.
• Perform sterilization and disinfection procedures in accordance with OSHA standards.
• Track laboratory work sent and received.
• Maintain supply stock in operatories.
• Launder staff scrub jackets.
• Return patient phone calls, phone in prescriptions, and schedule patient appointments with the Dental Director’s approval.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service education, seminars, and continuing education.
• Treat coworkers, clients, and visitors respectfully, courteously, and professionally, and address conflict and disagreement positively and respectfully.
• Participate in safety programs, which may include assignment to an emergency response team.
• Perform other related routine operational duties as needed or assigned by the Lead Dental Assistant.

Benefits

• Yearly performance merit increases
• Gain Share Program
• Local and online discounts
• 401(k) plan with 6% employer contributions
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness programs
• Decompression spaces
• Paid time off, including vacation starting at three weeks, four floating holidays, 10 sick days, and eight federal holidays
• NHSC Loan Repayment Opportunities
• PSLF eligibility
• Career path ladders
• Employer-paid learning and development programs
• Employee-led committees
• Appreciation, education, and team-building events

What This Job Offers

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