Dental Assistant

Cherry Health • Grand Rapids, MI

41d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant/Registered Dental Assistant provides essential support in performing chair-side four-handed dentistry to ensure quality care and treatment for patients. This position involves assisting the dentist with patient procedures, preparing treatment areas, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining a safe, aseptic environment. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for taking x-rays, preparing materials, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Adherence to organizational policies, ethical standards, and the mission is a key expectation. This is a full time benefit eligible position typically working Monday - Friday 8am to 6pm onsite at our Wyoming Community Health Center. Some evenings and Saturdays depending on the schedule. Travel to other Cherry Health sites may be required.

Requirements

• Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification as required by licensing and certification standards.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with other dental professionals.
• Ability to adhere to the organizational mission and values of "Health for All."
• Ability to perform all essential functions with minimal supervision and with attention to detail.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proof of radiology competency as required by the State of Michigan.
• Must pass an annual skills assessment by the supervisor.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position is acceptable.

Nice To Haves

• Previous dental chairside experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Take blood pressure readings and record necessary data.
• Adhere to Universal Precautions to ensure safety and hygiene.
• Receive and prepare patients for dental treatment.
• Mix dental materials as required during procedures.
• Record patient data as directed by the dentist or supervisor.
• Assist with instrument transfers during dental procedures.
• Take alginate impressions and perform fluoride treatments.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instructions.
• Prepare treatment trays and ensure the operatory is ready for procedures.
• Sterilize and maintain instruments, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.
• Ensure the operatory maintains an aseptic environment and universal precautions.
• Monitor and manage supplies, ordering as necessary.
• Take dental x-rays, ensuring proper certification and adherence to standards.
• Perform oral evacuation during procedures.
• Pour and trim models for dental impressions.
• Prepare anesthetic syringes and assist with injections when required.
• May be required to translate for patients in other languages if applicable.
• Under the direction of the dentist, assist in dental procedures performed in a hospital operating room, after completing required orientation and training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5%
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees