Dental - Dental Assistant

Marana Health•Tucson, AZ

8d•$20 - $23•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 Dental Assistant promotes patients’ dental health by assisting Dentists and Dental Hygienists in delivering dental services. MHC Healthcare is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center with 17 sites in Tucson and Pima County, whose mission is to improve the community by providing exceptional, whole-person healthcare. The role supports patient care and clinic operations through preparing treatment areas and patients, assisting during dental procedures, maintaining records and infection-control practices, managing equipment and supplies, coordinating with specialist offices and outside labs, and helping train other Dental Assistants. The position does not direct or supervise others. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, an accepted dental radiography qualification, and Basic Life Support certification (which may be completed with MHC upon hire). Experience as a Dental Assistant, relevant DANB certificates, bilingual English/Spanish ability, and an Arizona fingerprint clearance card are preferred or may be required for particular clinic assignments. MHC Healthcare offers medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 403(b) with employer contribution; short-term disability and other benefits; paid time off and holidays; and additional employee benefits. Some listed benefits are specified for full-time employees.

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 and organizational 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Dental Assistant.
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certificate from DANB.
Dental Assistant Coronal Polishing certificate from DANB.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Fingerprint Clearance Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety, or ability to obtain one upon hire; may be required for specific clinic assignments.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered when directly related to the job functions and required body of knowledge.

Responsibilities

Prepare treatment areas by retrieving patient charts and cleaning, sterilizing, and setting up the area 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.
Assist Dentists during treatment by sterilizing and delivering instruments, positioning and passing instruments, and suctioning.
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.
Protect patients and employees by following infection-control policies and procedures.
Maintain safe equipment operation through preventive maintenance, following manufacturer instructions, reporting malfunctions, requesting repairs, and maintaining inventory.
Perform spore testing to confirm proper autoclave function and safe instrument sterilization.
Maintain supplies inventory, ensuring adequate stock, avoiding overstock, observing expiration dates, and considering budget requirements.
Keep treatment areas adequately stocked and ready for use.
Participate in required in-services and education programs.
Use appropriate channels to report, discuss, and resolve concerns, and collaborate constructively to support team effectiveness.
Communicate with specialist offices and coordinate outside lab work, including preparing lab slips and monitoring cases entering and leaving the clinic.
Maintain appropriate personal protective equipment stocks and maintain certification and proper use of personal PPE.
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.