Job Overview
The Narragansett Indian Health Center is seeking a dedicated and professional Dental Assistant/Receptionist to join our dynamic dental team. This role combines front desk administrative responsibilities with clinical support to ensure seamless patient care and efficient office operations. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of dental and medical terminology, and proficiency with various electronic health record (EHR) systems. This position offers an engaging environment where you can contribute to patient satisfaction while supporting the daily functions of a growing Tribal dental center. This role is essential to maintaining efficient clinic operations and ensuring a positive patient experience. The Dental Assistant will work closely with the dentist and dental team to assist with procedures, prepare treatment rooms, manage instruments and supplies, and support infection control and patient flow. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who values teamwork, professionalism, and contributing to a mission-driven healthcare environment.
Qualifications
- Dental Assistant certification or completion of an accredited dental assisting program required
- X-ray certification (or ability to obtain) required
- Prior dental assisting experience strongly preferred (2+ years)
- Knowledge of infection control standards and sterilization procedures
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment
- Professional communication and patient interaction skills
- Basic computer proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a community health center, tribal health, or public health setting
- Familiarity with Dentrix or similar dental software
- CPR/BLS certification
Responsibilities
- Greet patients warmly, verify insurance coverage, and perform insurance verification to facilitate smooth check-in and billing processes.
- Schedule appointments accurately using dental office management software such as Dentrix or Eaglesoft, ensuring optimal patient flow.
- Assist dentists during procedures by preparing instruments, taking x-rays, and maintaining sterilization protocols in compliance with OSHA standards.
- Manage patient records diligently, including documentation review, filing, and updating electronic health records (EHR systems) such as Meditech or eClinicalWorks.
- Handle medical billing tasks including coding with CPT, ICD-9, and ICD-10 codes, ensuring accurate submission for Medicare and other insurance providers.
- Maintain a clean and organized front desk area while managing multi-line phone systems with professionalism and courtesy.
- Support administrative duties such as answering inquiries via phone or email, managing patient intake forms, and performing office management tasks to enhance overall clinic efficiency.
- Prepare and maintain treatment rooms in accordance with infection control protocols
- Organize instruments and equipment
- Take and record patient vital signs and dental histories as appropriate
- Expose and process dental radiographs (as permitted by certification)
- Provide chairside assistance and ensure patient comfort
- Manage dental supplies and inventory; notify leadership of supply needs
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the dental record system
- Support patient flow, scheduling coordination, and clinic efficiency
- Adhere to all OSHA, HIPAA, and applicable federal and state regulations
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of dental terminology, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), and health information management practices.
- Proficiency with dental software platforms like Dentrix and Eaglesoft, as well as EHR systems.
- Strong understanding of HIPAA regulations to ensure patient confidentiality and data security.
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively.
- Experience in medical insurance verification and medical billing procedures.
- Competency in computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), typing (10 key), and electronic documentation review.
- Prior clinic or dental office experience is required to ensure familiarity with daily operations and medical administrative support tasks. Join our team to deliver exceptional patient care while supporting the operational excellence of our dental practice!
Additional Information
Also, please be aware that employment is contingent upon completion of an FBI fingerprint background check and a drug screening, which includes testing for marijuana, in accordance with federal requirements.
Applicants are asked to notify us as soon as possible if they are unable to attend a scheduled interview, as multiple staff schedules are coordinated.
Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Disability insurance
- Family leave
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Malpractice insurance
- Paid orientation
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Application Question(s):
- Are you currently certified or registered to take dental radiographs (X-rays) in Rhode Island?
- Have you completed a dental assisting program or received formal training?
- How many years of chairside dental assisting experience do you have?
- Do you currently hold an active CPR/BLS certification?
- Are you a certified Dental Assistant?
- Are you comfortable with sterilization and infection control procedures?
Work Location: In person
