Dental Assistant - Full Time - CHC of New London - $1,000 Sign On

Moses/Weitzman Health System • New London, CT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant supports the dentist in providing primary dental care and helps maintain an efficient dental office. The role combines clinical and administrative duties, including preparing patients and treatment areas, assisting during procedures using four-handed dentistry techniques, and helping create a calm, welcoming environment for patients. The Dental Assistant also supports patient education, infection control, dental radiography, electronic health record documentation, and supply management. The position is based at the Community Health Center of New London in New London, Connecticut, and may require travel to other sites as needed. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturday mornings; some evening and weekend hours may be needed. Compensation is $23–$29 per hour, with a $1,000 sign-on bonus noted in the job title.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited dental assisting school or two years of dental experience in general dentistry.
• Certified in Dental Radiology by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
• Certified in infection control and maintain one hour of continuing education per state regulation.
• Excellent verbal and listening communication and interpersonal skills, with a patient-focused attitude.
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow infection-control protocols.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Flexibility to travel to other sites as needed, work as a team player, and communicate properly.
• Good manual dexterity and fine motor coordination, good vision, physical mobility and flexibility, and good reflexes.
• Light lifting is required; the role involves potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens through direct patient contact.
• Must follow OSHA standards and Universal Precautions at all times.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of, interest in, or passion for providing care to diverse patient populations.
• Written and oral bilingual fluency in a language spoken by the patient population, such as English/Spanish or English/Polish, is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients and treatment areas for dental procedures.
• Assist the dentist during procedures by handing instruments and managing suction and other equipment; use four-handed dental assisting techniques and maintain effective evacuation.
• Comfort patients, provide customer service, give post-operative instructions, and address patient questions or concerns.
• Maintain a calm and welcoming environment focused on quality care and teamwork.
• Sterilize instruments and equipment, clean and disinfect treatment areas, manage log books, and follow infection-control protocols and standard precautions.
• Take dental radiographs as directed and ensure they are properly processed for review.
• Navigate the electronic health record and enter and complete charting as directed by the dentist.
• Maintain supplies and order and manage inventory of dental materials.
• Instruct patients in oral hygiene and care routines and provide post-treatment guidance.
• Complete organizational competencies, courses, and in-service training in a timely manner.
• Work as scheduled and travel to other sites as needed.

Benefits

• Eligible employees may have access to health and wellness benefits.
• Eligible employees may have access to retirement savings opportunities.
• Eligible employees may have access to paid time off.
• Eligible employees may have access to professional development and tuition assistance programs.
• Eligible employees may have access to employee assistance resources.
• Flexible work arrangements may be available where applicable.
• Other company-sponsored benefits may be available; offerings and eligibility vary by position, work location, scheduled hours, and plan terms.
• $1,000 sign-on bonus noted in the job title.

What This Job Offers

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