Dental Assistant

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

General Summary:

Assists dentist at chairside during examination and treatment of patients.  Understands and integrates into the delivery of patient care the needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients in regard to their growth and development process.  The position actively supports the hospitals and the departments Continuous Quality Improvement and customer service goals, individually and as an effective team member.

Essential Job Functions:

• Escorts patients from waiting room to dental operatory.  Prepares patients for dental treatment.
• Arranges dental instruments, materials and medications on chairside tray in the order to be used, according to the scheduled treatment.  Maintains working knowledge of instruments used at chairside.
• Keeps oral operating areas clean during dental procedures.
• Prepares restorative materials.  Forehand assists during dental and orthodontic procedures.
• Prepares operating room and procedure suite for dental procedures.  Assists with dental services performed under general anesthesia.
• Assure dental equipment in clinic, operating room, procedure suites, and inpatient unit are in working order.
• Takes x-rays and maintains operation of x-ray equipment.
• Performs coronal polishing for patients as assigned by providers.
• Prepares instruments and hand pieces for sterilization.  Inventory and store instruments in proper location upon return.
• Keeps operatories clean and stocked with necessary supplies.
• Answers telephone when clerical staff is unavailable.
• Prepares patient chart and enters notations dictated by Dentist.  Able to chart in computer-based program.
• Obtain information for parent to schedule appropriate next visit.   Performs patient support clerical activities.
• Takes dental impressions for appliances (i.e. space maintainers, orthodontic retainers), sends to lab, and assists with deliveries.
• Assists in the delivery of medications and pharmaceutical products that are dispensed for the Pharmacy to the appropriate patient care provider in a timely manner.
• Orients new/contingent dental assistant staff.
• Participates in Department Process Improvement activities.
• Maintains water purification system.
• Keeps daily AED functionality log.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of an approved dental assistant program is preferred.  
• Minimum one year experience in private practice. 
• Pediatric dental experience is preferred. 
• Some computer skills required. 
• Certified CPR required.
• Ability to travel to different sites as needed.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.

Education

Pay Range

At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions.In addition to base salary, Lurie Children’s offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability

• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage

• Tuition assistance

• Student loan servicing and support

• Adoption benefits

• Backup Childcare and Eldercare

• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members

• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities

• Discount purchasing program

There’s a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children’s, we embrace and celebrate building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that different life experiences strengthen our workplace and the care we provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.  

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support email: peoplequestions@luriechildrens.org