Dental Assistant
Department: Dental
Reports To: Dental Director
Position Summary
The Dental Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to dentists and the dental care team to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. This position assists with patient preparation, chairside procedures, radiographs, infection prevention, patient education, and operatory maintenance while promoting a positive patient experience. The Dental Assistant plays an important role in supporting the mission of Health Care Partners of South Carolina by providing compassionate, patient-centered oral healthcare to the communities we serve.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Prepare treatment rooms, instruments, equipment, and materials for patient care and dental procedures.
· Welcome, prepare, and assist patients before, during, and after dental treatment to promote a comfortable and positive experience.
· Assist dentists during examinations, restorative procedures, oral surgery, extractions, endodontic, pediatric, and other dental procedures.
· Obtain and process dental radiographs in accordance with provider orders and applicable safety standards.
· Record and update patient medical and dental histories, vital signs when appropriate, and other clinical information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
· Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene, preventive care, post-operative instructions, and treatment recommendations.
· Perform chairside and laboratory duties, including taking impressions, pouring models, and preparing dental materials as permitted by state regulations.
· Clean, disinfect, sterilize, and maintain dental instruments, equipment, operatories, and treatment areas in accordance with OSHA, CDC, and infection prevention guidelines.
· Monitor dental supplies, instruments, and equipment, reporting maintenance needs and assisting with inventory management and ordering.
· Assist with appointment scheduling, patient follow-up, referrals, and other administrative tasks as needed.
· Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care and clinical activities in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
· Maintain patient confidentiality and protect health information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
· Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, continuing education, and organizational quality improvement initiatives.
· Travel between Health Care Partners of South Carolina dental locations as needed.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience
· High school diploma or equivalent required.
· Current Dental Assistant certification as required by the State of South Carolina.
· Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross preferred.
· Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Dental Assistant in a dental office, community health center, or similar clinical setting preferred.
· Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) preferred.
· Experience using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Knowledge of dental assisting principles, chairside procedures, radiography, sterilization techniques, and infection prevention practices.
· Knowledge of OSHA, CDC infection prevention guidelines, and HIPAA regulations.
· Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills with a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
· Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
· Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office.
· Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and establish positive working relationships with patients, providers, and coworkers.
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Pet insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
