Dental Assistants
Dubuque, IA
18.00-22.00
Contract
DENTAL ASSISTANTS
SHIFT: 1ST
CERTIFICATION NOT REQUIRED TO START
WAGE: $18-$22/HOUR
Position Summary
The Dental Assistant supports the Dentist in providing high-quality patient care by performing a variety of clinical, administrative, and patient-support responsibilities. This position prepares patients and treatment areas, maintains instruments and equipment, assists chairside during dental procedures, and provides patients with appropriate education, attention, and emotional support.
Essential Functions
- Assist the Dentist with patient examinations, procedures, and treatments by preparing patients, instruments, materials, and treatment areas.
- Provide chairside assistance during dental procedures, including the administration of nitrous oxide.
- Respond appropriately to dental and medical emergencies in accordance with OSHA requirements and office protocols.
- Maintain current CPR certification.
- Take and accurately document patient medical and dental histories and vital signs.
- Expose dental diagnostic radiographs in accordance with applicable regulations and office procedures.
- Record treatment information accurately in patient records.
- Provide patients with instruction regarding oral hygiene, plaque control, and recommended home-care practices.
- Obtain preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Clean and polish removable dental appliances.
- Prepare, organize, and maintain dental instrument trays and materials needed for procedures.
- Anticipate the Dentist’s needs and efficiently provide instruments, materials, and other assistance during examinations and procedures to promote patient comfort and treatment efficiency.
- Sterilize and disinfect instruments and maintain appropriate infection-control procedures.
- Follow OSHA requirements, hazard-control protocols, and all applicable office safety standards.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance and identify when equipment requires additional service or repair.
- Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional clinical environment.
- Represent the practice in a professional, courteous, pleasant, and cooperative manner at all times.
- Maintain regular attendance, adhere to assigned schedules, and follow office policies and procedures.
- Manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and assignments efficiently.
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Participate in continuing education, training, seminars, or other professional-development activities; occasional travel by car or air may be required.
- Assist in other areas of the practice and perform additional duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Patient Care & Professionalism
- Maintain strict patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
- Provide compassionate, respectful, and attentive patient care.
- Maintain a professional demeanor when working around blood, bodily fluids, unpleasant odors, or other conditions commonly encountered in a dental setting.
- Demonstrate strong attention to detail, particularly when working in confined spaces and while maintaining patient safety and comfort.
- Anticipate the needs of the Dentist and patients and proactively provide appropriate assistance.
- Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to take on changing responsibilities and assist in other areas of the practice as needed.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow OSHA requirements, infection-control standards, office safety procedures, and established hazard-control protocols.
- Follow practice policies and procedures when handling or collecting patient payments.
- Maintain required certifications and training.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrate active listening by giving full attention to others, understanding information and instructions, asking appropriate questions, and responding thoughtfully.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
- Provide a high level of customer service through positive, professional, and respectful communication.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Dentists, patients, coworkers, and other members of the practice team.
- Demonstrate strong reading comprehension and the ability to understand written instructions, policies, procedures, and work-related documents.
Organizational & Technical Skills
- Demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Demonstrate basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Apply sound judgment and analytical skills when performing assigned duties and responsibilities.
Education & Experience
Required
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Diploma or certificate from an approved dental assisting program.
Please email resume to nikki@careerpros.com
Sedona Staffing Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer
