Licensed Dental Assistant (Assisted Hygiene)
About The Position
Dental Associates of Minnesota is seeking a patient-focused Licensed Dental Assistant for a dedicated Assisted Hygiene role in Savage, Minnesota. This full-time position focuses on supporting the dental hygiene department rather than providing routine chairside assistance to dentists. The assistant partners with a licensed dental hygienist in a two-operatory model, helping coordinate patient flow and appointments while taking an active role in patient preparation, permitted preventive services, patient education, and appointment completion. The role includes welcoming and preparing patients, reviewing health histories, collecting relevant information, taking digital radiographs as permitted, preparing instruments and equipment, assisting with charting and documentation, and reinforcing hygiene recommendations. The assistant also helps coordinate doctor examinations and follow-up scheduling, maintains room readiness and infection-control standards, and communicates with hygienists, doctors, patients, and patient care coordinators. All clinical duties must comply with Minnesota regulations, supervision requirements, and the employee’s authorized scope of practice.
Requirements
- Current Minnesota Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) credential.
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Knowledge of OSHA and CDC infection-control standards.
- Strong communication, organization, and patient-care skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented clinical environment.
- Ability to perform clinical duties independently within the licensed scope of practice.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to transition between patients and treatment rooms.
- Ability to take initiative, anticipate clinical needs, and adapt positively when patient needs or schedules change.
- Professional communication skills and comfort educating patients and reinforcing treatment recommendations.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience as a Licensed Dental Assistant.
- Experience working alongside dental hygienists or in an assisted hygiene model.
- Confidence with coronal polishing, fluoride application, and digital radiography.
- Experience with periodontal charting and preventive patient education.
- Familiarity with dental practice management software, particularly Open Dental.
- Strong understanding of hygiene appointment workflows and clinical documentation.
- Previous assisted hygiene experience; training on the employer’s workflow is available for an experienced, motivated LDA.
Responsibilities
- Welcome, seat, and prepare patients for hygiene appointments.
- Review and update medical and dental histories, and document patient concerns, chief complaints, and oral hygiene habits.
- Obtain and record blood pressure and other relevant patient information.
- Take digital radiographs as needed and permitted within the employee’s licensure.
- Prepare instruments, materials, and equipment for hygiene procedures.
- Communicate patient information and clinical concerns to the hygienist.
- Work alongside a licensed dental hygienist in a two-operatory assisted hygiene model.
- Assist with periodontal charting and clinical documentation as needed.
- Perform coronal polishing and apply fluoride when permitted under Minnesota regulations and applicable supervision requirements.
- Reinforce oral hygiene instructions and recommendations provided by the hygienist.
- Help patients understand recommended follow-up appointments and preventive care.
- Support coordination of doctor examinations during hygiene visits.
- Maintain a welcoming, comfortable, and positive patient experience.
- Coordinate patient transitions between two hygiene operatories.
- Maintain efficient room setup and turnover and ensure instruments are available.
- Anticipate the hygienist’s needs and prepare for upcoming appointments.
- Communicate with the hygienist, doctors, and patient care coordinators.
- Assist patients with scheduling their next hygiene visit or recommended treatment.
- Maintain accurate and timely electronic patient documentation.
- Follow OSHA, CDC, HIPAA, and established infection-control standards.
- Help maintain an organized, efficient, and collaborative hygiene department.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
- Modern dental technology and equipment.
- Opportunities for career growth within a growing organization.
- A collaborative, supportive team environment.
- Opportunity to develop specialized experience in an assisted hygiene model.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
