Dental Assistant

NHBP•Battle Creek, MI

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dental Assistant prepares patients for treatment, assists the Dentist during treatment, prepares materials and equipment, takes radiographs, and assists with laboratory work. The position may also perform related duties such as making appointments, answering phones, and ordering supplies. It works under the general supervision of the Dental Director and is guided by the site-specific Dentist. The role supports patient care and oral-health education, maintains a sterile clinical environment, prepares operatories and instruments, manages supplies, and coordinates with dental laboratories and vendors. It also assists with administrative and front-office work, preventive oral-health presentations, new team member orientation, and equipment maintenance. The Dental Assistant participates in team and quality-improvement activities, maintains professional knowledge, coordinates leave to support clinic coverage, and represents NHBP positively in the community. This is a non-exempt position based in Battle Creek, Michigan, scheduled for four 10-hour day shifts occurring Monday through Friday. Starting salary is $20.32. Eligible team members receive the listed benefit package. Applicants are subject to a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening. Tribal preference applies under the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Completion of a Dental Assisting Program or one year of experience as a Dental Assistant.
Dental Radiology Certificate, or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record; must be GSA-certifiable and able to travel.
Successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with NHBP standards.
CPR/First Aid certification, or ability to become certified when training is offered.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and knowledge of HIPAA requirements.
Ability to adjust schedule as needed or required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong administrative and organizational skills.
Computer proficiency, including ability to develop proficiency with EDR software.
Professional demeanor and appearance.
Ability to complete forms accurately and in an orderly fashion.
Ability to understand, learn about, and appreciate Native American culture and customs.
Willingness to develop a comprehensive understanding of Trauma Informed Care and apply it to daily work.
Understanding of, willingness to learn, and ability to support culturally specific, culturally focused, and cultural programs and services.
Ability to work creatively with healthcare professionals from varied disciplines to support program effectiveness and patient benefit.
Understanding of, or willingness to develop an understanding of, integrated care models and their application in an integrated health facility.
Ability to organize and maintain electronic and physical files.
Ability to work independently, solve problems, and work effectively in a team-centered environment with or without immediate supervision.
Ability to manage constant interruptions and organize and prioritize duties.
Ability to foster a positive work environment.

Nice To Haves

Certified Dental Assistant.
Working knowledge of Dentrix.
Five years of experience as a Dental Assistant.
Demonstrated knowledge of dental-health education subjects.

Responsibilities

Greet patients and escort them to and from the operatory.
Assist the Dentist chairside with treatment as required or directed.
Promote oral and general health, assess patients’ home-care status, and instruct patients in brushing and flossing according to protocol.
Assist in the oral-health management of dental patients.
Maintain a sterile and orderly work environment according to infection-control procedures.
Review patient health histories, make chart entries under the operator’s direction, and ensure forms and signatures are complete.
Explain aspects of dental visits to patients and provide support and compassion when needed.
Stock operatories and maintain clinical supply inventory.
Review the daily schedule and prepare appropriate trays and instruments before patient arrival, including preparation for the next day when time permits.
Communicate and coordinate with dental laboratories to keep treatment cases on schedule.
Dispose of contaminated or potentially contaminated materials in accordance with clinic directives, department policy, and applicable Tribal, state, and federal regulations.
Update the daily schedule as necessary and inform team members of issues.
Perform procedures delegated by the Dentist and permitted under the applicable State of Michigan Delegation of Duties Chart and dentistry administrative rules.
Assist with front-office procedures when time or needs allow.
Assist with dental administrative functions as directed by the Dentist or Hygienist and as time permits.
Receive and place telephone calls related to professional matters, clinic business, and patient care.
Supervise preventive maintenance of dental equipment.
Serve as supply liaison and communicate with purchasing staff and vendors to ensure timely receipt of orders.
Use dental equipment and supplies efficiently.
Help organize and deliver preventive oral-health presentations at on-site and off-site locations.
Assist with orientation of new dental team members.
Comply with standards of care, confidentiality and privacy laws, and NHBP policies and procedures.
Participate in dental team conferences, quality assurance, planning, and other service-review or improvement activities.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through continuing education, performance-improvement activities, and self-study.
Coordinate leave in advance with the Dental Director, Health Office Manager, and site dental team to ensure adequate coverage.
Maintain appropriate working relationships with staff, patients, and community members, and represent NHBP clinics positively in the community.

Benefits

Eligible team members receive medical, dental, and vision insurance with minimal employee cost sharing.
Flexible Spending Account for medical reimbursement.
Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Employer-paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
Dependent Care FSA.
401(k) plan with eligible matching and vesting on day one.
Paid time off accrued beginning immediately upon hire.
Tuition reimbursement program with educational release time after 12 months.
Up to 14 paid holidays.
Employee wellness and fitness programs.
Opportunities to participate in NHBP-sponsored activities.
Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.