Dental Assistant / Registered Dental Assistant

Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health

We are always looking for talented Dental Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants to join our team. This is an evergreen requisition, meaning we are continually reviewing applications to fill future openings as they arise. Travel to other Cherry Health sites may be required

Job Description Summary:

The Dental Assistant provides essential support in performing chair-side four-handed dentistry to ensure quality care and treatment for patients. This position involves assisting the dentist with patient procedures, preparing treatment areas, sterilizing instruments, and maintaining a safe, aseptic environment. The Dental Assistant is also responsible for taking x-rays, preparing materials, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Adherence to organizational policies, ethical standards, and the mission is a key expectation.

Responsibilities:

• Take blood pressure readings and record necessary data.
• Adhere to Universal Precautions to ensure safety and hygiene.
• Receive and prepare patients for dental treatment.
• Mix dental materials as required during procedures.
• Record patient data as directed by the dentist or supervisor.
• Assist with instrument transfers during dental procedures.
• Take alginate impressions and perform fluoride treatments.
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instructions.
• Prepare treatment trays and ensure the operatory is ready for procedures.
• Sterilize and maintain instruments, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.
• Ensure the operatory maintains an aseptic environment and universal precautions.
• Monitor and manage supplies, ordering as necessary.
• Take dental x-rays, ensuring proper certification and adherence to standards.
• Perform oral evacuation during procedures.
• Pour and trim models for dental impressions.
• Prepare anesthetic syringes and assist with injections when required.
• May be required to translate for patients in other languages if applicable.
• Under the direction of the dentist, assist in dental procedures performed in a hospital operating room, after completing required orientation and training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification as required by licensing and certification standards.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with other dental professionals.
• Ability to adhere to the organizational mission and values of "Health for All."
• Ability to perform all essential functions with minimal supervision and with attention to detail.

Key Values:

• Customer Service
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Learning

Education / Licenses / Certifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certifications: Proof of radiology competency as required by the State of Michigan.

Experience:

• Previous dental chairside experience preferred. Must pass an annual skills assessment by the supervisor.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position is acceptable.

Working Conditions:

The essential functions of this position must be able to be accomplished with or without accommodations.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Client/Patient Population Served:

Pediatrics, Adolescents, Adults, Geriatrics.

Who we are:

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission: 

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Our Vision: 

Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Our Values:

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.

Benefits:

Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status.  Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5% 
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program  

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.